Ray Archuleta- Major Player in Global Soil Health Conversation- To Be Featured At September 4, 2024
Field Day
Global speaker, Ray Archuleta, will be the featured presenter at our free September 4th Soil Health Field Day hosted by the Ed Ruge Family-812 North 200 West-Valparaiso. Ray is known as an energetic and engaging speaker who is passionate about soil health. We are pleased to report that this field day is co-sponsored by the Lake , LaPorte and Porter County Soil & Water Conservation Districts. Funding for this project was provided in part by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Please reserve a spot by August 28th by E-mailing jacob.tosch@in.nacdnet.net or calling Porter County Soil & Water at 219-462-7515 ext. 3. PARP credits are available and lunch will be provided.
AGENDA
8:30-9 AM PARP registration/Visit display tables provided by:
USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service;
Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Fisheries Division
Porter County Department of Development and Storm Water
9-11:30 AM :
Understanding Soil Health and Function To Save Time and Money
Rain Simulator Demonstration- Ray Archuleta
11:30 AM-Noon PARP– Nikky Witkowski, Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources
Noon-1pm Lunch/ Visit display tables
1-2:30 pm Nutrient Management: Learn/Understand New Soil Test Technology To Reduce Fertilizer Costs (NPK)-Ray
This May 2024 our staff will worked with Michigan City Middle School students from Krueger and Barker Middle Schools to plant over 700 native oak and hickory trees in the Trail Creek Watershed!!!
This project was possible with the support of our partners at the Michigan City Sanitary District for allowing us to plant the trees on their creek-side property, LaPorte County Stormwater for monetary and technical assistance, Sherlock Holmes of Elkhart for monetary contributions to purchase trees, and Joe Moore of Erosion Construction Services and ECS staff for technical and labor support. What a fabulous community stewardship effort!
August 2024 UPDATE: the oak and hickory trees are THRIVING! Our summer interns conducted a waling inventory of the plantings, and nearly ALL of the trees have survived thus far!
Did you know that forests are important filters for our water? Strong tree roots keep soil in place preventing erosion and absorbing pollutants. Natural resource concerns in forests, like deforestation and degradation, can even impact watershed flood control dams by reducing water quality and altering water flow patterns. Preserving healthy forests is vital for ensuring sustainable water resources for our community. #NACDMaytheForestBeWithYouAlways
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