Community comes out to support MCSWCD's Annual Meeting

  Another Annual Meeting is in the books! We had a great room of folks join us at the Fourwinds Resort on Lake Monroe early Saturday morning to support conservation efforts in Monroe County. The Agenda moved quickly with awards, speakers, elections, and door prizes! Here are a few highlights we want to share with those that couldn’t make it in person:

Awards:
 
The Monroe County Soil & Water Conservation District recognizes three conservation award winners every year at our Annual Meeting to highlight the efforts of the county’s local conservationists.
 
Emerging Conservationist:
Joe Bailey is new to the role of Land Steward, but has taken it on with great enthusiasm! Having previously lived in apartment spaces, Joe only moved onto property with significant land a few years ago. He certainly chose a true gem of nature on his first move into rural life! Joe’s land has plentiful springs and opportunities for wildlife, but has also previously been used for agriculture and even includes an old railroad bed. Joe has worked closely with Eco Logic, the MCSWCD, and the NRCS to restore and preserve his land. This has included invasive removal, conservation cover, and habitat management with a special focus on pollinator friendly habitats. We’re proud to recognize Joe as a true conservationist and thank him for his stewardship to the Land of Monroe County.
 
Established Conservationist: Mark Ryan
Mark Ryan has been tending to his land with conservation in mind for years. Mark takes care of just over 100 acres – and he knows every acre like the back of his hand! He is well-versed on invasive species, having removed nearly every kind we see in Southern Indiana from his property. Mark works with the MCSWCD and the NRCS, but he has been more than willing to take on conservation challenges on his own too; he recently restored a pond on his land essential for a healthy wildlife habitat. Mark is also working on tree stand improvement and brush management. We’re lucky to have Mark in Monroe County and are excited to present him with this award!

Friend of Conservation:
IU @ Hinkle-Garden was born through a joint effort by the MCSWCD, Bloomington Restoration, Inc and James Farmer. When the MCSWCD first picked up the project in 2013 soil tests showed that the soil was not just unhealthy, but in critical condition. Through cover crops, soil amendments, and patience, the team at IU Farm has brought the soil back to a healthy and productive state. It is safe to say that Mrs. Daisey Garten is smiling at her beautiful little farm once again thriving. It was her vision for her farm to remain an active and useful educational resource for future generations.

To nominate an individual or organization, contact Martha Miller at monroecsoil@gmail.com by the end of the calendar year with the name of the individual/organization, which award they are being nominated for, and why they should be considered for the award (2 paragraphs maximum).

Elections:
We filled two elected positions, to complete our board of supervisors for the upcoming year. Mr. Dallas Condor and Mrs. Georgia Davis were both elected and then sworn in by Commissioner Thomas.
Mr. Condor and Mrs. Davis join Keith McConnell, Whitney Schlegel, and Ryan Conway to round out of Board of Supervisors:

Keynote Speaker:
Finally, we were honored to have Mr. Stephen Ball attend our Annual Meeting as the keynote speaker. Stephen Ball is an archeologist with the Natural Resource Conservation Service.
Mr. Ball presented on the history of Barns in Indiana, taking a unique anthropological look at how Barn styles were influences by settlers from the South and East.

We would also like to give special thanks to all of the elected City, State, and County officials that were in attendance! Additionally, we appreciate the support from all community businesses, non-profits, and conservation organizations that donated door prizes and offered their financial support.

We are always appreciative of the support we have in this community, and it was great to see it on display! We truly hope that everyone in attendance had as great of an experience as we did.​ We can't wait to see you again next year!