Conservation Habits = Healthy Habitats is the Soil and Water Stewardship theme for 2010. It is a thought provoking and profound theme. Take a few moments and give it some thought. We are resposible for our actions. Our actions result in either positive or negative consequences. For this reason, we need to be good stewards of the land and natural resources.

What is Conservation? Conservation is the careful management of the environment and naturla resources. In the words of Aldo Leopold, "Conservation is a state of harmony between men and land." It is important to properly care for the environment surrounding us. Conservation is vital to habitats. Without the use of conservation, plant and animal species may become endangered or extinct.

What is a habitat? A habitat is an ecological or environmental area that is inhabited by a particular plant or animal species. Habitats are the natural environment in which an organism lives or the physical environment that surrounds a speices population.

What is a habit? A habit is an action or pattern of behavior repeated until it is almost automatic. So, conservation habits are consistent actions that protect and manage natural resources. Developing healthy habits will establish and sustain healthy habitats. Wee need to carry out healthy habits in our backyards, communities, schools, places of work, and farms.

A healthy habitat provides numerous resources and offers many benefits. Soil sustains life. Through soil, plants are supplied with minerals and nutrients essential for growth. Trees and plants release oxygen into the air, remove carbon dioxide from the air, and provide food and shelter to birds and mammals. Animals, birds and insects pollinate flowers. Over 80% of the world's flowering plants survive because of pollinators. We depend on flowering plants for production of fruits and vegetables. Pollinators are disappearing due to the lack or quality of habitat. Because of the declining habitat for pollinators, it is necessary that we develop and preserve their habitat.

Let's do our part in establishing healthy habits and building and protecting wildlife habitats. Each of us can make a difference starting in our own community. What can we do to provide or improve wildlife habitats? Adding a birdbath, planting native plants, planting trees and shrubs, installing a rain barrel to collect water, and recycling are just a few great ways to provide or protect habitats. In the words of Aldo Leopold, "A thing is right only when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability and beauty of the community; and the community includes the soil, water, fauna and flora, as well as the people."

- Monica Stevens, Resource Conservationist

Water is essentail to life. Promote water conservation through ths use of rain barrels.

What is a rain barrel? A rain barrel is a system of collecting and storing water from the roofs of homes, barns and sheds. Rain barrels prevent water from attaching to soil or pollutants and being carried away and washed into storm drains. Reducing stormwater runoff reduces the amount of pesticides and fertilizer that impacts our water supply.

Rain barrels protect and conserve an important natural resource, water. Depending on the amount of rainfall and the size of a roof, a large amount of water can be collected and stored. For every inch of rainfall on a 1000 square feet area, equals an accumulation of 600 gallons of water with the use of a rain barrel. Imagine how much water would have been collected this past rainy year!

Collecting rainwater saves water for a future a future use. Rain barrels store and provide pure, natural water that is perfect for watering landscaping, gardens and washing cars and windows. For those living in town, the use of rainwater would have a great affect on the water bill.

In an effort to reduce stormwater runoff and promote water conservation, the Henry County Soil and Water Conservation District is conducting a rain barrel sale. The Henry County SWCD is accepting orders through Wednesday, March 31, 2010. Rain barrels may be collected at the Henry County SWCD on Wednesday, April 7, 2010 between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Information about rain barrels and a printable order form is available on the website at www.henrycountyilswcd.com. Order forms are also available at the Henry County SWCD office at 301 East North Street, in Cambridge. For more information regarding rain barrels, please call the office at 309.937.5263, extension 3 or e-mail Monica.Stevens@il.nacdnet.net. Stop in and check out the rain barrel on display for viewing at the Henry County Soil and Water Conservation District.

- Monica Stevens, Resource Conservationist

It has been an interesting year in weather to say the least, but I do not have to remind fellow farmers of that. This year has displayed the wonders of nature. Nature is remarkable, yet at times can be destructive and devastating. No-till and other conservation practices have been put to the test this past winter and spring. Due to gully erosion caused by large amounts of heavy rains, many conservation projects have been installed.

The Henry County SWCD has continued to implement conservation programs. 2009 has been another very productive year for the Henry County Soil an Water Conservation District. The following are activities the Henry County SWCD participated in or sponsored this past year:

• Henry County SWCD Annual Meeting - January 28
• Contractor's Breakfast - February 11
• Land Use Council 2 Envirothon - April 2
• Spring Bulb and Tree Sale - April 8-9
• Stewardship Week - April 26 - May 3 
• Poster Contest - April 27
• Rain Barrel Sale - April 27
• Stark County SWCD 5th Grade Conservation Day - April 29
• Spring Fish Sale - May 1
• Bureau County SWCD Conservation Day - May 7
• Women in Agriculture - May 11
• Native Plant Sale - June 5
• Henry County Fair - June 23-28
• Stark County SWCD Conservation Camp - July 17
• Forestry Management Workshop - September 16
• Fall Bulb and Tree Sale - September 30 - October 1
• Section 3 FFA Soil Judging Contest - October 7
•  Fall Fish Sale - October 22
• Rain Barrel Sale - December 14

From the Henry County SWCD in 2009:

• Conservation Kids is a section for kids at the Henry County SWCD booth during the Henry County Fair. Kids have the opportunity to learn about soil through hands-on activities.
• Nature field guides are available to purchase by those interested in learning about the plant and animal species surrounding us.
• Henry County Farm Bureau Farmer articles are written to promote and educate the public on the importance of conservation and conservation practices.
• Conservation Trail, a conservation education newsletter, reaches over 4100 grade school students and teachers in Henry County.
• Constructed a website to further promote and educate the public on conservation and stewardship. Visit the website at www.henrycountyilswcd.com!
• Rain barrels to promote water conservation, and reduce stormwater runoff.
• Soil testing kits for lawns and gardens to help reduce over application of fertilizer.

Conservation Practices Program (CPP) cost-share projects implemented in 2009 by the Henry County Soil and Water Conservation District as of November:

• 10.8 acres of waterways constructed
• 10 grade stabilization structures installed
• 5 (1070') water and sediment control basins installed
• 575' terrace constructed
• 9.5 acres of hay and pasture planted
• 1 well decommissioned

With the construction of agricultural conservation practices, over 200 tons of soil was saved! Over $56,000 was spent in cost-share assistance for conservation projects.

It has been a pleasure working with everyone over the course of the year. A tremendous amount of conservation has been put to work. It is my hope the Henry County  Soil and Water Conservation District will continue with the progress in conservation within the county. Next year will be another successful year at the Henry County Soil and Water Conservation District. Best wishes and much success this coming year!  

-Monica Stevens, Resource Conservationist