To reach the growing number of women farmers and landowners interested in farming practices that benefit the health of their land, the Soil & Water Conservation Districts of Elkhart, Marshall, and St. Joseph Counties, NRCS, and Women4theLand are hosting a free conservation discussion and field tour on August 14th in Lakeville.
More than one million women operate American farms, and in the Midwest, women now own or co-own an estimated one-fourth to one-half of all the farmland. Many have inherited family land, some are just starting out, some are returning to the farm,and many are “non-operating” landowners who lease their land to neighboring farmers.
This Women’s Conservation Learning Circle will bring together women who have an interest in land stewardship in an informal learning format for a women-only morning discussion followed by lunch and a tour to view on-farm practices. The key topics of discussion will be conservation planning, wildlife habitat restoration, and healthy pastures. Female conservation professionals will be on hand to answer questions and share resources. Participants are encouraged to speak about their own experiences and goals rather than simply listening to a presentation.
The August 14th meeting will begin held at the Potato Creek State Park Nature Center starting at 9 a.m. Lunch is provided, and the program will end by 3 pm.
For more information and to RSVP, interested women landowners and farmers can contact Marshall County SWCD by calling (574) 936-2024, Ext.3, by August 7th. If you need accommodations, please notify us when you RSVP.
The meeting is presented in partnership with the Soil & Water Conservation Districts of Elkhart, Marshall, and St. Joseph Counties, NRCS, and Women4theLand. The learning circles method of conservation outreach to women farmland owners and the activities used were developed by Women, Food and Agriculture Network for its Women Caring for the LandSM program.
