Wetland Tour Takes Students Outside of the Classroom
Wetland Tour Takes Students Outside of the Classroom by NRCS Program Specialist Jayme Arthurs
In early November, 27 University of Delaware students visited Mark and Beth Stephen's wetland site as part of their Wildlife Ecology course this semester. The Stephen's wetland, located in Hartly, DE is enrolled into NRCS' Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) under a permanent easement.
NRCS Program Specialist Jayme Arthurs and District Conservationist Tom Wiltbank provided a tour of the wetland restoration on the 168-acre easement site. The presentation provided students with knowledge on the restoration methods used on the site, such as berms and water control structures; along with wetland benefits to wildlife.
District Conservationist Tom Wiltbank uses enlarged wetland map to show students the type and location of restoration practices on the wetland site.
(photo by J. Arthurs)
Applying Early has its Benefits
The USDA NRCS in Delaware is accepting applications now for many of its conservation programs in fiscal year (FY) 2013. Farmers are encouraged to apply early; applications received early are more likely to be funded because funds may not be available for later application cut-off dates. Application cut-off dates are as follows:
Environmental Quality Incentives Program - 12/21; 1/18; 2/15
On-Farm Energy Initiative- 12/21; 1/18; 2/15
Seasonal High Tunnel Initiative - 12/21; 1/18; 2/15
Organic Initiative - 12/21; 1/18; 2/15
Conservation Stewardship Program - 12/21
For more information about NRCS programs and services, click here.
Stop in to your local USDA Service Center and speak with a local NRCS representative today.
'eNewsbytes' are archived online for viewing anytime. Visit www.de.nrcs.usda.gov/news and click on eNewsbytes for more information. Additional information on Delaware NRCS programs and services is also available online.
