Soil & Water Conservation District outlines summer events, invasive-species outreach

Misty Sorcovich, representing the Soil and Water Conservation District, briefed the Board of Commissioners on the district's summer outreach programs on May 12, including agricultural education, invasive-species control workdays and a new landowners' network.

Sorcovich described the third annual Meet Your Farmer event, set for June 18 at a blueberry u-pick farm in Mishawaka, which will focus on soil-health practices for perennial crops and will include dinner and a farm walk. "We're going to the Blueberry Ranch, the organic you pick farm in Mishawaka," she said, and noted the event is intended to raise awareness of soil health in different farming contexts.

Sorcovich also outlined the Saint Joseph–Marshall County Invasive Plant Partnership (SMIP), co-led with Marshall County Soil and Water Conservation District, and said the program hosts educational events and monthly volunteer workdays. She announced a new "land stewards" effort to connect landowners, beginners and professionals to coordinate invasive-species control and peer learning. "Invasive works is really difficult and can be overwhelming, and so we're trying to bring to provide a space for landowners to connect," she said.

The district will host a legislator walk-and-talk on Aug. 26 at Rum Village to showcase local invasive-species work; Sorcovich said the strike team that meets monthly there has shown positive results in returning native plants and reducing garlic mustard.

Commissioners responded with appreciation and residents in attendance praised the events and encouraged participation.