District Showcase Award 2023
The greatest achievement of the Urban Healthy Soils Program in 2023 was the receipt of the District Showcase Award from IASWCD, a testament to the program's success. To celebrate, a presentation was held highlighting the program in front of state leadership. We were proud to host key figures such as Keith Williams (NRCS, Area Con.), Jennifer Walker (NRCS, Planning Team Leader), Curtis Knueven (NRCS, Acting State Conservationist), Jane Hardisty (State Soil Board), Ray Chattin (State Soil Board), and Liz Rice (IASWCD Executive Director). The award not only recognizes the dedication and hard work of the Working Group but also underscores the positive impact it has had on the community and the broader agricultural landscape.
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The Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts awarded, Tashina of Kosciusko Co., a Certificate of Appreciation for the success of the program at the IASWCD annual conference.
Certificate of appreciation
Kosciusko Urban Healthy Soils Program was launched in March of 2022 in response to the growing numbers of small-scale producers across our state. It’s purpose is centered around promoting the 4 principles of soil health. District staff and volunteers provide resources, technical assistance and education to small-scale farms and gardens (10 acres or under). Several have taken advantage of the soil sampling, technical assistance, educational materials, and soil health events.
President’s Award
Kosciusko SWCD supervisor, Jamie Scott, was awarded the President’s Award at the Indiana Soil and Water Conservation District Board’s 2021 Annual Conference. The award was personally selected by the IASWCD President Roger Wenning, acknowledging Scott’s invaluable assistance to him.
The Kosciusko SWCD is proud to have Jamie on their board and would like to thank Jamie and the rest of their supervisors for all the hard work they do.
SWCD Awarded IMN Host of the Year
During the Kosciusko County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) September board meeting, the Board was presented with the Indiana Master Naturalists’ “Host of the Year” Award. Darci Zolman, SWCD Program Administrator, was also recognized for her service as the chairperson of the local master naturalist planning committee.
Back left: Chuck Harvuot, State IMN Advisory Committee Chair; Ryan Martin, SWCD Secretary/Treasurer; Stan Moore, SWCD Supervisor; Pardee Gunter, State IMN Advisory Committee. Front left: Jewel Wise, SWCD Supervisor; Darci Zolman, SWCD Program Administrator.
The award is presented annually to one of the approximately thirty Indiana Master Naturalist (IMN) programs throughout the state. The honor is based on nominations, number of years the program has been offered, number of classes held, number of participants certified and class member evaluations.
The Kosciusko County program was implemented in 2016 and is currently hosting its fifth class. Class size is limited to twenty and each year the class has been filled and a waiting list established. (This year with the Covid-19 issues, only eight participants chose to continue.)
“We have a creative, talented and collaborative steering committee here in this county. Chuck Harvuot, Pardee Gunter, Monica Grubbs, Jackie Horn and Judy Kinsey have really helped make this program top notch,” commented Zolman. “We are very appreciative of the sponsorship role of the local SWCD, as well,” she added. “The board has been very supportive of this program.”