As Spring starts to bring color back to the land, Wisconsin Women in Conservation (WiWiC) is pleased to announce their schedule of May gatherings at inspiring venues across the state – from pizza barns to nature centers.
All women farmers, landowners and conservationists are welcome, as are women who are contemplating a purchase of property. WiWiC is working to build regional networks of women interested in land stewardship, and the majority of each event will be dedicated to a peer-to-peer networking time.
These events have a “Digging into Soil” theme and each involve a demonstration on soil texture: what it is, why it matters, and how you can work with it. Additionally there will be snacks available.
Upcoming “Digging Into Soil” Learning Circle Dates
North West Region, May 11, 3-6pm, The Enchanted Barn, Hillsdale
West Central Region, May 12, 1-4:30pm, Freedom Park, Prescott
North Central Region, May 18, 1-4pm, Nine Mile Recreation Center Chalet, Wausau
North East Region, May 19, 1-4pm Mosquito Hill Nature Center, New London
“Soil texture is the basis of all management decisions,” said Jaimie Kraklow, NRCS soil conservationist from Clark County, who will be at the North West gathering. “Knowing the soil textures you are working with can help you determine inherent soil properties such as water infiltration rates or what the soil is best suited for.”
Local conservation professionals will be present at each gathering to train participants on the value of procuring a Conservation, Forestry, or Grazing Plan. WiWiC provides grants for participants to have professional plans prepared.
“A conservation plan is very important as it is the first step in managing natural resources on the landscape while helping landowner’s reach their conservation objectives for their land,” said Jennifer Roetter, who is a Resource Conservationist with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA) in Durand. “Having a conservation plan developed helps NRCS identify if a landowner qualifies for financial assistance through USDA Farm Bill programs.” Roetter will lead the soil texture demonstration in Prescott.
WiWiC is a state-wide collaborative effort led by the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute in partnership with Wisconsin Farmers Union, Renewing the Countryside and Marbleseed (formerly MOSES). A three-year multi-faceted project funded by the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), WiWiC brings together Wisconsin women landowners to connect and learn about conservation practices,
resources, and funding opportunities.
In addition to Field Days, WiWiC also provides mentorship to women landowners and farmers who want to increase conservation practices on their properties – and free professionally-prepared Conservation Plans. Interested parties can subscribe to a statewide listserv, “The Buzz” monthly newsletter and the “Queen Bee Sessions” podcast on the website as well.
Registration for the learning circles is free at WiWiC.org under Events.
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