Stearns County SWCD Celebrates 60 Years of Natural Resources Conservation

The Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is celebrating their 60th Anniversary with a “social” on Tuesday, July 13 at the Richmond Community Park from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Richmond Community Park is located on Thein Lake near Richmond, MN. Several family educational activities are planned, including DNR’s live fish tank loaded with many of Minnesota’s game fish species, a rainfall simulator, a living soils tunnel, and the enviroscape model. In addition, KASM radio will be broadcasting live, Stearns County Dairy Princesses will be on hand to distribute dairy products, and staff will be displaying and demonstrating past and modern surveying equipment.

Greg Berg, Stearns County SWCD shoreland specialist, states “The Park is a great place to bring the entire family to participate in the Stearns County SWCD’s Social and to take advantage of the amenities available at the Park like the swimming beach and playground”.

In addition, a free water testing clinic will be offered to test drinking water, livestock watering systems and irrigation wells for the presence of nitrate. Nitrate is the most common contaminant in Minnesota’s groundwater. The water tests are free. In order to participate, homeowners must bring to the clinic site at least one-half cup of water in a clean container. Before obtaining a sample, allow the water to run 5-10 minutes to get a representative sample. Homeowners who have water treatment equipment installed should take two water samples, one before and one after the treatment process. Samples should be less than 24 hours old and must be refrigerated. Samples should be cool when arriving at the clinic. The test result is for your benefit and not for public dissemination.

Dennis Fuchs, Stearns SWCD administrator, says “Many elected officials have been invited to the Social. This would be a great time to visit with them about your concerns of the future of Minnesota’s natural resources.” There will be a short program beginning at 5:30 pm. Confirmed speakers include LeAnn Buck, Executive Director of the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Julie Blackburn, Assistant Director of the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, and Don Baloun, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service State Conservationist.

With the support of many sponsors, a light lunch and beverage will be provided to all attendees. Additional information is available on the Stearns County SWCD website: www.stearnscountyswcd.net