Kosciusko County Soil and Water Conservation District

06/07/2026

Research shows no-till can reduce soil loss from more than 13 tons per acre annually to less than 1 ton per acre, while improving infiltration and reducing runoff.
Left photo: runoff and erosion.
Right photo: residue-covered soil absorbing and holding water.

Every drop that infiltrates is water available for the crop tomorrow. Every ton of soil that stays put is an investment in future productivity.

Build soil. Slow water. Keep both in the field!

06/04/2026

Ever wondered what it's like inside a live honey bee hive?

Join us for an unforgettable, hands-on experience exploring the world of native bees and honey bees. Suit up, look inside a live hive, build your own bee hotel, and learn how you can create pollinator habitat at home or on the farm.

Spots are limited!
$20 registration includes lunch and materials.

Register here:
kosciuskoswcd.org/diveintothehive

06/02/2026

Become a citizen scientist! During this free, day-long workshop, you’ll learn how to gather important water quality data that tells us about the health of local lakes and streams. Led by TWF and our partners, Kosciusko County Soil and Water Conservation District, this free training is great for teachers, natural resource professionals, and anyone interested in being a steward for our waterways!

Sign today! Registration closes Monday, June 8th, and you don't want to miss this! https://forms.gle/EpxYC4HghWz8bMPE6

05/27/2026

Did you know not all bees live in hives?

Many of Indiana’s native bees are actually solitary bees, meaning each female builds and cares for her own nest. Some species even nest inside hollow plant stems and dried vegetation left behind from the previous growing season.

That’s one reason why it’s important to wait before mowing or cleaning up your yard in the spring. Old stems, native grasses, and leaf litter may be providing shelter for pollinators that are still developing or overwintering.

By simply allowing habitat to remain a little longer, you can help support native bees and other beneficial insects right in your own backyard.

Conservation can start with small actions, and sometimes, doing a little less can help wildlife a whole lot more. Interested in helping pollinators even more? During our upcoming Bee Workshop, participants will also have the opportunity to build their own bee hotels to take home and support stem-nesting bees.

Spots are limited!
$20 per person (includes lunch & materials)
Registration Closes June 21st!
Sign up HERE: https://www.kosciuskoswcd.org/diveintothehive

05/26/2026

Wrapping up planting season 2026 🚜

These covers are working long after the planter leaves the field. Through the summer, residue can help hold valuable soil moisture by reducing evaporation, improving infiltration, and shading the soil surface. In many fields, heavy residue can conserve roughly 1–3+ inches of moisture over the season depending on rainfall, biomass, and soil type.

That residue layer also helps buffer soil temperature swings — often keeping soils 10–20°F cooler during hot summer afternoons while reducing stress from rapid day-to-night changes. Cooler, protected soils mean better microbial activity, improved water efficiency, and healthier crop development through tough conditions.

Building soil structure, feeding biology, suppressing weeds, and protecting every acre for the crop ahead. 🌾☀️

05/22/2026

Come listen to our soil health specialist talk about the importance of healthy soils!

This month's Warsaw Green Drinks speaker is a close partner of TWF! Kosciusko County Soil and Water Conservation District Soil Health Specialist, Tashina Lahr-Manifold, will be sharing what soil health principals are. Join her at Cerulean located in Winona on May 28th at 5:30 to learn more! 🌾

05/21/2026

This cereal rye cover crop may look impressive above ground, but the magic is happening below the surface. Deep, dense roots help:
• build soil structure
• feed soil biology
• reduce erosion
• improve water infiltration
• capture and recycle nutrients

Cereal rye roots commonly reach 3–5 feet deep, and under the right conditions can grow even deeper. That underground growth is what makes cover crops such a powerful tool for resilient soils and long-term productivity.

Healthy shoots catch your eye. Healthy roots change your soil. 🌾 ”

05/19/2026

Update for Food Plot Seed: There is a limited amount of Sorghum still available. All Corn, Sunflower, and Soy Bean has been given for this year. If you wish to be on the email list for next year go to our website and sign up or call our office.

https://www.kosciuskoswcd.org/
Office Phone: 574-267-7445 ext. 3

Kosciusko SWCD is a local unit of government that promotes responsible land use decisions for the conservation, protection, and improvement of soil and water resources.