A Conversation About Soil and Water

By Jean Thomas

Any gardener knows that, after seed, the quality of the soil and the water are most important for success. Interestingly, the powers that be in the agriculture world agree. New York State is fortunate to have a strong interest in agriculture, and the value of a successful agricultural industry is important to the state as a whole. This is where the County Soil and Water Conservation Districts come in. You may have heard of the Soil and Water district in your county, but there’s some interesting history.

It all started as a result of the Dust bowl of the 1930s, which started as a result of poor farming practices combined with a drought. Part of the Federal Government’s efforts was the 1937 Standard States Soil Conservation Districts Act. This encouraged the states to establish voluntary conservation districts to include land that wasn’t federally owned… private land ownership covers 75% of farm land. By 1938, 22 states had responded by establishing voluntary soil conservation districts. These evolved into the partnerships we see today between state, local and private entities. These combinations often vary by county.

New York State entered the movement under the guidance of the Department of Ag and Markets, and our own Schoharie County was the site of the first Soil and Water Conservation District established in 1940. Other local counties began at different times, depending on local variants. Columbia County joined in 1954, Delaware in 1946, Greene in 1961, and Ulster in 1965.

Each county SWCD addresses local issues, and there can be great differences between what each focuses on according to their particular needs. There are many similarities, however. They all address education of their local populace about the conservation needs specific to them. They may tackle water and wetlands preservation, protection of ground water supply, conduct tree plantings to hold soil in place, and assist in restoration of damages caused by climate change extreme weather.

The beauty of these districts not being under a distant, Federal control is that they can respond more quickly and accurately to local issues. They also make it possible for us to participate on a citizen’s level. We can attend workshops and volunteer workdays.

My favorite way to participate is taking part in the annual Bare Root Tree and Shrub Sale. This year the sale began in February and orders may be placed through about mid March. Pickup is scheduled for April 18-19, subject to change. They don’t deliver, so plan accordingly. Each county offers a different selection of native plants and trees, as bare root seedlings, as well as some fruit and flowering plants, and birdhouses. The plants come in bundles of five or more, depending on variety. Also bear in mind the fact that they sometimes run out of stock on particular items.

Think creatively. If you have a tiny amount of space, split an order with someone. Sometimes a community garden in your area can benefit from plant donations (check first). And if you are a fanatic with lots of energy, the counties do not limit purchases to their residents. One year, a group of my friends purchased plants from three different counties. They all have the same pickup date, BTW. But since each had selections the others didn’t, we had a wonderful road trip and met some terrific people. As always, I take responsibility for any inaccuracies in the column. For further information in your own county, each county’s CWCD has a webpage with excellent information.