On July 10th the Conservation Technology Information Center will host the 2012 Indian Creek Watershed Tour. The Indian Creek Watershed Project works with local farmers and interested others to lead a three year-project (2010-2013) to demonstrate and test best conservation practices on Indian Creek Watershed farms. The project, facilitated by Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC), and funded in part by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (with funds provided through Section 319 of the Clean Water Act) is being used to show how conservation practices (many implemented with technical and/or financial assistance through USDA-NRCS and the Livingston SWCD) affect water quality. The project has a goal to support half the watershed’s producers (representing roughly half the acres) in improving conservation agriculture systems, and measuring changes in water quality.
This year, tour participants will visit watershed farms implementing 4R practices to learn about conservation agricultural systems that hold promise for boosting nutrient use efficiency. Specific practices to be addressed on this year’s tour include cover crops, variable rate nutrient application and fertilizer application
timing. Each can improve farm profitability and water quality.
The day will begin with coffee and refreshments at 7:30 AM at the First Baptist Church of Fairbury, Ill., 701 North 7th Street, Fairbury. Participants will return to the church at noon for dinner.
Register by calling Livingston County SWCD at 815-844-6127. Or email Christa Jones at [email protected].