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C o n s e r v a t i o n P a g e s
2145 Suttle Avenue
Charlotte, NC 28208 704.336.2455
WHAT’S INSIDE
What’s in your soil? 2 2018 Tree Sale 3 Rain Barrels 3 Cost Share Programs 4-6 Education Programs 7-8 Awards Banquet 9 Contact Information 10
UPCOMING EVENTS
2018 Summer Camps at:
Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation
www.mecknc.gov/ParkandRec/
Woodland Discovery www.woodlanddiscovery.org
Summer Edition July 2018
“Productive soil is life, and productive soil is vanishing with each passing year.” - Hugh Hammond Bennett
Newsletter
We depend on soil for so many things. Soil helps clean water by filtering it. Soil helps make our climate moderate by absorbing and releasing heat. Soil even provides a place to build homes. Most importantly, soil helps us grow plants, for food, animal food and building materials.
We sometimes take soil for granted. But good soil is a treasure. The United States has about 2,250,000,000 acres of land. About 41% of that land is used for farmland. About 46% of farmland is used for growing crops. But only about 45,000,000 acres are ideally suited for growing crops. The rest require careful management and irrigation.
New soil forms slowly. Soil formation varies, but some scientists found that it takes 1000 years to form 1/2 inch of soil. So we need to take care of soil we have. Soil can be lost by forces of nature through erosion from wind and rain and the actions of people. During one heavy rain, an acre of bare soil lost one thousand times as much soil as an acre covered with plants.
Keeping plant cover on soil also increases the organic matter in soil. This organic matter includes plant life and millions of visible and invisible or-ganisms. Some scientists estimate that an acre of soil holds about 1,000 pounds of microscopic life. The life in soil helps keep it rich so it can keep helping our lives. One of the best ways to hold and improve soil is to keep it covered with plants. Plant a tree, some bushes or some ground cover. You’ll feel great knowing you are helping keep your world full of life.
-NACD
It All Starts With Soil
What’s In Your Soil?
CP: Summer Issue, 2018 Page 2
What is Soil Testing?• The NC Agronomic Services Division in Raleigh, NC analyzes soil for its nutrient content and for properties
that affect plant growth. • Agronomists from the soil testing division analyze the current nutrient component, pH, acidity, cation
exchange capacity and so forth, of your soil and use this data to make a recommendation of the amount and proportion nutrients and lime your soil needs to produce a desired crop (for example grass or vegetables).
• The main purpose of a soil test for individual homeowners is to determine the amount and type of fertilizer and lime your soil needs. However, in some instances, additional information included in the results may be useful in identifying issues with plant growth and development (for example zinc toxicity). Results out of the norm are generally annotated on the report in the notes section.
Who Needs to Soil Test? EVERYONE!• Anyone who will be applying fertilizer or lime to their lawn, garden, planting beds, farm, etc. should
complete a soil test prior to purchase and application of fertilizer.• This also applies to people who use gardeners, landscapers, etc. - do not assume that these people
automatically know the amount of fertilizer your soil needs. Require that your contractor test your soil or follow a soil test you have done yourself.
• Any farmers who have certified nutrient management plans are required to test their soils before applying nutrients.
How Do I Get My Soil Tested? • Pick up a soil test box from the Soil and Water Conservation District (will mail upon request to residents in
Mecklenburg County) and Cooperative Extension. • Collect representative samples - be sure to collect from the root zone.• Complete the ‘Soil Sample Information’ form and return along with sample to the NCDA&CS.• Results will be available online at www.ncagr.gov/agronomi/pals. How much does it cost? • Soil testing is free for NC residents to have their soils tested April - November. However, it costs $4.00
December - March.• For those of you who may have access to animal manures - for example horse manure - you can have it
tested for an $8.00 fee. The test will give you the nutrient content of the product so that you know how much to apply to meet the recommendation of your soil test.
• The only additional cost to citizens for soil testing is shipping the sample to the lab. You may send your sample via FedEx, UPS or postal service. The shipping address varies depending on which option you choose.
47th Annual Tree Seedling Sale Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District in collaboration with TreesCharlotte is pleased to announce that the 47th Annual Tree Seedling Sale was a success. TreesCharlotte, established in 2012, is a non-profit organization, created as a public/private collaboration dedicated to planting trees, primarily through volunteer efforts. They have been the driving force behind the bold initiative of achieving 50% tree canopy and ways to plant and preserve trees. Learn more about TreesCharlotte by visiting http://treescharlotte.org/.
CP: Summer Issue, 2018 Page 3
The next time it rains be prepared to collect rain water in your new rain barrel. Rain Barrels are available for purchase year-round at the Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District. We offer two sizes: 60 gallon rain barrel is $105 (price includes tax) and an 80 gallon rain barrel is $120 (price includes tax). Business hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Please call 704.336.2455 to confirm availability and schedule a time for pick up.
60 gallon rain barrel
Rain Barrels provide an easy way for homeowners to help protect our streams and lakes in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. Capturing the water that flows off your roof keeps rain water out of the storm drains and allows it to flow into the ground and replenish the ground water supply. Not only are rain barrels ecologically friendly, they are pocket friendly as well. Rain barrels provide you with a FREE source of chemical-free water for your yard and garden and reduce your need for treated water.
Having our own goal of encouraging the public native and shrubs, we hosted the Annual Tree Seedling Sale event on Saturday, February 24, 2018. We are happy to report that we sold approximately 2,000 trees to the public. Vendors at this year’s event were Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services, Mecklenburg Audubon Society, Mecklenburg County Solid Waste (they gave away counter top composters which were a big hit), NC Forestry Service and the NC Wildlife Federation. Coming soon is our next annual tree seedling sale which is generally held in February. Details will be listed in our fall newsletter.
Conserve Water With Your New Rain Barrel
Agricultural Water Resources Assistance Program (AgWRAP)The newest of our state cost share assistance programs; the Agricultural Water Resources Assistance Program (AgWRAP) is available to assist with increasing water availability for agricultural production. The Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District receiving an allocation of approximately $9,000.00 for the 2019 fiscal year. Funds were available to assist with the construction of new farm ponds (restrictions apply), the dredging or repair of existing farm ponds, wells for irrigation and/or livestock watering and other water conservation practices. We are currently winding down our program year and will receive a new allocation of funds over the summer. For more information, please call 704.336.2455 or visit www.MecklenburgConservation.com
Community Conservation Assistance Program (CCAP)The NC Community Conservation Assistance Program (CCAP) is a statewide program designed to help citizens to address urban/suburban non-point source pollution and erosion issues, much like our local Urban Cost Share Program. This program is especially valuable to citizens who live within the corporate limits of the towns of Davidson, Cornelius, Huntersville, Mint Hill, Matthews and Pineville (eligible for only limited practices through the UCSP). Available practices include: Cisterns, Rain Gardens, Backyard Wetlands, Riparian Buffers, Pet Waste Receptacles and more. CCAP is available county wide, however funding is limited. We anticipate opportunities to apply for funding at the regional level during the 2019 fiscal year. Applications will be ranked and reviewed for maximum water quality benefit. Approved applicant will receive technical assistance related to best management practices (BMPs) specific to their site, as well as reimbursement of up to 75% of allowable expenses. For more information, please call 704.336.2455 or visit www.MecklenburgConservation.com
Agriculture Cost Share Program (ACSP)The District is available to help farmers and other agricultural producers reduce erosion and prevent other water pollution. The Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District anticipates receiving an allocation of approximately $30,000.00 this fiscal year. Funds were available to assist with the cost of installing conservation practices to protect water quality and agricultural interests. We are currently winding down our program year and will receive a new allocation of funds over the summer. For more information, please call 704.336.2455 or visit www.MecklenburgConservation.com
State Cost Share Programs
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The Urban Cost Share Program is an incentive-based program designed to help land users address existing erosion and other non-point source water pollution issues in approved watersheds.
The program offers financial and technical assistance to reduce runoff, stop erosion and address other non-point source pollution issues. Approved applicants are eligible to receive 75% of allowable costs, up to $7,500.00, associated with installing approved Best Management Practices at their location. Urban Cost Share Availability:The full Urban Cost Share Program is open to citizens throughout the City of Charlotte and in unincorporated Mecklenburg County.
As of 2016, we are also expanded our program to include the six other municipalities in Mecklenburg County. Citizens in Matthews, Mint Hill, Pineville, Huntersville and Cornelius are now eligible to apply for assistance with stabilization of eroding streambanks. Due to restrictions by our grant funding source, citizens in these areas are NOT currently eligible for assistance with remaining practices, excepting riparian buffers associated with a streambank stabilization project.
USDA Federal Cost Share ProgramsThe Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides financial and technical assistance focused on natural resource concerns. Programs available to approved applicants include:
Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) CREP is a collaborative effort between the local District, the NCDA&CS Division of Soil and Water Conservation and Division of Forest Resources, and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and Farm Service Agency. CREP provides long-term protection of environmentally sensitive cropland and marginal pasture land through conversion to conservation practices (e.g. Stream Buffers) on agricultural land. CREP is currently only available in and east of the Yadkin River Basin (includes eastern Mecklenburg County). Eligibility is subject to qualification by USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA). For more information, please contact Leslie Vanden Herik at 704.336.2455.
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)The Environmental Quality Incentives Program provides financial and technical help to eligible producers for installation of conservation practices on agricultural land. Eligibility is subject to qualification by USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA). For more information, please contact Chris Childers at 704.788.2107 extension 3.
Federal Cost Share Programs
Urban Cost Share Program
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Urban Cost Share Program Information:To be considered for assistance, please complete an interest form as a first step in being considered for assistance. District staff will review forms and property maps and schedule a site assessment and assist with application to the program when appropriate.
All applications to the program are ranked for their benefit to water quality. Qualified applications are funded in order of rank as funds allow. Approved applicants will receive a BMP design and installation guidance. Applicants may begin implementation of practices upon notice of board approval. Funds expended prior to board approval are not eligible for reimbursement. Per contract terms, participants are responsible for maintaining practices for a minimum of five years. Additional restrictions may apply. Best Management Practices (BMPs) Best Management Practices Offered (City of Charlotte and Unincorporated Mecklenburg County only): Critical Area Planting: Establishing permanent vegetation on sites that have steep slopes with high erosion rates, and on sites that have physical, chemical, or biological conditions that prevent the establishment of vegetation with normal practices. Grassed Waterway (Swale): A natural or constructed channel that is shaped or graded to required dimensions and established in suitable vegetation for the stable conveyance of runoff. Pet Waste Receptacles: Receptacles and supplies to better manage pet waste, usually in public areas. Rain Garden: A landscaped area that collects storm water runoff.
Best Management Practices (BMPs) Best Management Practices Offered (throughout Mecklenburg County, including the seven municipalities): Streambank Stabilization: Vegetative stabilization (planting) and/or grading of erosive streambanks and shorelines to stabilize erosion and reduce soil loss. Riparian Buffers (restrictions apply): An area dominated by trees and/or shrubs located adjacent to and up-gradient from water courses or water bodies.
For additional information or questions, please contact the Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District at 704.336.2455 or [email protected].
Urban Cost Share Program
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Envirothon ProgramThe Envirothon Program is sponsored by the NC Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. The program is open to teams of students in grades 9-12 for high school and in grades 5-8 for middle schools. Teams consist of five members. Each team must have an adult advisor and the team may have up to two alternates. It is important for high school teams to have at least two alternates. The North American Envirothon will allow two substitutes to the original team. For detailed information visit the NC Envirothon website at www.NCEnvirothon.org.
Area Envirothons are held as a qualifier for the NC Envirothon. The Southern Piedmont Envirothon is an area competition that includes Mecklenburg and 11 surrounding counties Anson, Cabarrus, Cleveland, Davidson, Davie, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Rowan, Stanly, and Union. Teams must participate at an Area competition to qualify to compete at the State Envirothon. The top seven teams for high school and middle school automatically qualify to advance to the State Envirothon. The Southern Piedmont Envirothon will be held on March 20, 2018 (middle school) and March 21, 2018 (high school) at the Center for the Environment at Catawba College in Salisbury, North Carolina. There were 18 middle school teams and 20 high school teams that participated in the Southern Piedmont Envirothon.
Top 7 Middle School Teams from Mecklenburg County:5th Place - Jay M. Robinson Middle School ‘Chargers A’ - Team Advisor is Brandy Jenner 6th Place - Jay M. Robinson Middle School ‘Chargers B’ - Team Advisor is Brandy Jenner 7th Place - Jay M. Robinson Middle School ‘Chargers C’ - Team Advisor is Brandy Jenner
These teams advanced to the NC Envirothon. The event was held April 27-28, 2018 at Cedarock Park in Alamance County. Congratulations ‘Chargers A’ Envirothon Team for winning 7th Place at the state level. There were 50 middle school teams and 52 high school teams that participated in the NC Envirothon.
Conservation Education Programs
Jay M. Robinson Envirothon Team Members at the NC Envirothon
North Carolina Envirothon Teams at the NC Envirothon
CP: Summer Issue, 2018 Page 7
Conservation Education Programs
Speech ContestPlace Grade Name of Student School Teacher
1st 8 Felicite Hangyas Community House Middle M. Landers
Essay ContestPlace Grade Name of Student School Teacher3rd 6 Sydney Grace Shamp Charlotte Christian School J. Bartlett2nd 6 Dominique Kay Charlotte Christian School J. Bartlett1st 6 Avery Gurley Charlotte Christian School J. Bartlett
Poster ContestPlace Grade Name of Student School Teacher3rd 3 Adeline Bain-Creed Smithfield Elementary School D. Johnson3rd 4 Sawyer Carlson Smithfield Elementary School K. McPherson3rd 5 Arumy Palacios Smithfield Elementary School D. Johnson3rd 6 Jacob Burgess Charlotte Christian School J. Bartlett2nd 3 Georgia Howard Charlotte Country Day School T. Page2nd 3 Frances Liles Charlotte Country Day School T. Page2nd 4 Caroline Mallard Charlotte Country Day School L. Townsend2nd 5 Brianna Hopkins Smithfield Elementary School D. Johnson2nd 6 Ruthie Caswell Charlotte Christian School J. Bartlett1st 3 Gavyn Jones Charlotte Country Day School T. Page1st 4 Avery Hedrick Charlotte Country Day School L. Townsend1st 5 Reese Doherty Smithfield Elementary School D. Johnson1st 6 Emily Eaton Charlotte Christian School J. Bartlett
Bookmark Illustration ContestPlace Grade Name of Student School Teacher3rd K Caitlin Dyer Sharon Elementary School J. McSwain3rd 1 Robby Ellis Smithfield Elementary School C. Moore3rd 2 Lucas Koch Charlotte Lab School M. Perez-Maspons3rd 3 Kyle Williams Charlotte Country Day School T. Page2nd K Laney Golden Sharon Elementary School J. McSwain2nd 1 Nora Callaway Sharon Elementary School A. Finch2nd 2 Alain Pearman Smithfield Elementary School S. Bagley2nd 3 Addie Bowles Charlotte Country Day School T. Page1st K Isaiah Goodwin Hickory Grove Elementary School C. Keigher1st 1 Aabhya Kulkarni Sharon Elementary School D. Baker1st 2 Siddhi Uppuluri Charlotte Lab School M. Perez-Maspons1st 3 Chandler Sloan Charlotte Lab School M. Perez-Maspons
“Water. . .the Cycle of Life”
CP: Summer Issue, 2018 Page 8
Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District is dedicated to getting the conservation message to the public through education. A really cool and fun way that we convey this message in our community is by participating in contests sponsored by the NC Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts.
Our annual contests include the Bookmark Illustration Contest (grades K-3), Poster Contest (grades 3-6), Essay Contest (grade 6), Speech Contest (grades 7 and 8) and Envirothon Program (grades 5-12).
Each year an awards banquet is held to honor the winners of all the contests. This year the banquet was on May 7, 2018 at Reedy Creek Park. Among those that attended were family and friends of contest winners, teachers and principals as well as Leslie Johnson - Assistant County Manager, Dave Canaan - Director of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services, Dr. Ruby Jones - Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education (District 3), and Bud and Leslie Stewart - Rain Barrel USA. Thank you for supporting this year’s contest winners.
Annual Awards Banquet
2018 Annual Awards Banquet
CP: Summer Issue, 2018 Page 9
Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District 2145 Suttle Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28208, 704.336.2455
Business Hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
BOARD SUPERVISORS: Brad Johnson, Chairman (Elected) - [email protected] Spengler, Vice Chairman (Appointed) - [email protected] Schwartz, Treasurer (Appointed) - [email protected] Carter, Supervisor (Elected) - [email protected] Bleiweis, Supervisor (Appointed to Elected seat) - [email protected]
ASSOCIATE BOARD SUPERVISOR: Gray Newman STAFF:Leslie Vanden Herik, Conservation District Manager [email protected] Anganette Byrd, Administrative Support Assistant III/Education Coordinator [email protected] Chris Childers, NRCS District Conservationist - [email protected] WESTERN REGIONAL COORDINATOR: Rick MsSwain - [email protected]
*A special thanks to our proud partner Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services.
Newsletter Sponsorship Do you own or run a farm, natural resource or other conservation related business? Would you be interest-ed in sponsoring our newsletter through a small ad? If so, we need your input! What size add would you be interested in – one eight page, quarter page, half page? How much would you consider a reasonable cost for sponsorship? How frequently would you be interested in sponsoring? Our newsletter is distributed via e-mail once a quarter to over 2,500 people in Charlotte/Mecklenburg County and the surrounding area in addition to posting it on our website. We need your feedback to help us move forward with devel-opment of a newsletter sponsorship program. If you or someone you know might be interested in news-letter sponsorship, please send us your feedback to [email protected]
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