Free workshop offered about healthy land, water

Published 6:02 pm Thursday, January 14, 2016

A free informative public workshop will take place at the MTEC Building (Room 134), 400 Klock Road, in Benton Harbor from 8:30 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Jan. 27.

The workshop is beneficial to people interested in farming, local streams, rivers and Lake Michigan.

Each attendee will receive a free soil testing kit valued at $16 and be entered in a drawing for a door prize.

Morning refreshments will be served.

The event is free, but registration is required. Call the Berrien Conservation District at (269) 471-9111, ext. 3 by Monday, Jan. 25 to reserve a spot.

At this workshop, attendees will learn about farming practices and incentives available to farmers to build healthier soil and reduce polluted runoff into drains, streams, rivers and lakes.

Presentations will include topics on water quality, wetlands, USDA conservation practices and Michigan’s Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP).  There will also be a special demonstration showcasing the benefits of non-tilled versus tilled soil that may convince people to try no-till on their land.

People can also learn about what it means to have a sign saying, “This Farm is Environmentally Verified,” and how to get one.

This workshop also qualifies for MAEAP Phase One credit if you are seeking MAEAP verification.

This workshop is part of a larger effort to reduce pollution in Ox Creek, the Paw Paw River, St. Joseph River and Lake Michigan.

It has been funded wholly or in part through the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality’s Nonpoint Source Program by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.