Specialty Crop

The SGCD provides voluntary, need-based programs to constituents, including selling a variety of conservation-grade trees and shrubs (including fruit and berry varieties) through its cost-share seedling tree program. It provides free assistance with designing shelterbelts for erosion and wind protection, offers shelterbelt/windbreak tree-planting installations, and helps with species selection based on the local environment, soil types, and purposes of the planting.

Additional programs to help landowners take steps to improve soil and water quality and natural resource conservation include free domestic well water and Haney soil testing annually, a Woods CSS60 seeder for rent, an annual household hazardous waste collection day, and a solar conversion cost-share program.

In early 2024, an online soil testing program survey was on the website to determine the interest in the soil testing program, such as garden, farm operation, pastureland, or tree row/windbreak planting. Check the website or contact staff for updates.

The district hosts an annual ag expo to give students hands-on agriculture experience, and it provides elementary and adult educational programs, covering the importance of water quality and how to monitor and improve drinking water. A variety of workshops are also offered (recent examples include straw-bale gardening, which helps cut down on weeds, and backyard homesteading).