What are farmers doing to help with conservation? More than you think. Each week we are going to highlight some of the conservation practices that are being used in Fayette County.
The Fayette Soil & Water Conservation District helps farmers and landowners put conservation to work on the land.
The city farm that surrounds the YMCA is rented to a local farmer and the city has installed some conservation practices that help with water quality. The residents of Washington Court House get their drinking water from Paint Creek. Protecting the Paint Creek corridor has become a focus for the city.
By installing a prairie and riparian buffer three years ago, the city farm is catching runoff before it hits the stream. Riparian areas also function as reducing the amount of sediment and runoff that are transported in runoff. The vegetation traps the sediment before it enters the stream. Riparian areas also provide shade which helps control the temperature of the water. Most fish species prefer cooler water. The leaves and twigs also provide food for many aquatic organisms. Lastly, vegetation along a stream bank helps slow water down during flood events.
The Paint Creek Stewardship project is on ongoing partnership with landowners and the community to bring attention to Paint Creek. This year the City of Washington Court House, Pheasants Forever, and the Fayette SWCD partnered to finish the buffer area on the city farm. Warm season grass was planted in the spring and cool season grass will be planted this fall. Once the grass is established it will provide another area to walk.
As part of the Paint Creek Stewardship project, the Carnegie Public Library, Fayette Travel & Tourism, Fayette Family YMCA, and the Fayette SWCD will host Magic on the Prairie at the City Farm off of Civic Drive. The event is an End of Summer Bash, Saturday Aug. 6th from 6-8:30 p.m. Entertainment, campfire, face painting, nature stations, ODNR Archery Trailer, and crafts will be included. If you have not been out to the Paint Creek Prairie Trail, this is a perfect time to visit the created prairie at the City Farm.
If you would like us to visit your farm and highlight your conservation efforts contact Brigitte Hisey, Natural Resource Specialist, Fayette Soil & Water Conservation District at 740-636-0279 and like us on Facebook. Josh Wilt, the District Conservationist, can also help you get started with creating a riparian area along your stream.
