This training series is intended to provide an introduction to organic systems, including basic principles of organic production; the organic certification process; organic regulations and areas of alignment with NRCS practices; and challenges and opportunities in organic production. Attendees are encouraged to attend all three sessions. In this third session, the organic regulations are discussed along with NRCS practices that may support organic transition and organic production. This session also has some time for small group discussions and three guest speakers.
NRCS
United States
This Digital Café features Dr. Rob Myers, Director of the University of Missouri Center for Regenerative Agriculture and also Regional Director of Extension Programs for NCR-SARE, discussed several of the key ways that cover crops can improve soil health. These factors include nutrient cycling, soil organic matter, rainfall infiltration, addressing soil compaction, aggregate stability and impacts on earthworms, mycorrhizal fungi, and other aspects of soil biology. This presentation was originally broadcast on Wednesday, April 19, 2023.
Soil Health Nexus
United States
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Dan Shaw; 612-236-6291 & Paul Erdmann; 651-402-9498
Cost-share funding available to Minnesota residents to create residential pollinator habitat
April 13, 2023
St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) is once again accepting applications for grants for the Lawns to Legumes program. This program aims to increase habitat for at-risk pollinators in residential settings across the state by providing people with cost-share funding, workshops, coaching and gardening resources. The new application period is open and applications will be accepted through June 30, 2023. Applications submitted August 22, 2022 or later that were not previously awarded a grant will roll over and do not need to be resubmitted
Anyone who lives in Minnesota and has an area for outdoor planting can apply to be reimbursed for up to $350 in costs associated with establishing new pollinator habitat in their yards. Recipients are required to contribute a 25% match in the form of purchasing materials, hiring contractors or as in-kind time spent planting and maintaining their projects.
In the program’s first phase, Minnesota residents planted 4.3 million square feet (100 acres) of pollinator habitat. Residents from all 87 Minnesota counties were awarded grants, and thousands of DIY projects were inspired and guided by the program.
“Lawns to Legumes helps Minnesota residents play an essential role in protecting the pollinators that sustain our natural resources, ecosystems and economy,” BWSR Executive Director John Jaschke said.
Notifications about funding decisions will be sent to project applicants in July. Those who do not receive funding are encouraged to pursue DIY projects using the many online resources, including BWSR’s Planting for Pollinators Habitat Guide, gardening templates, tips for selecting native plants, and more.
Apply online at Blue Thumb’s website. For more information on Lawns to Legumes, visit BWSR’s website.