Beaver County Conservation District

Check out our Spring 2021 Newsletter! https://5f0174b2-eefd-4e43-b338-53cb1d8ab173.filesusr.com/

Upcoming Event! March 29, 2021 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Registration required by March 25, 2021 https://extension.psu.edu/private-water-supply-education-an

Upcoming Event! National AG Day: Tuesday, March 23 Beaver Valley Mall: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM 570 Beaver Valley Mall Blvd, Monaca, PA 15061

Use of no-till planting can reduce costs, improve soil health and reduce soil erosion. Farm operators who would be interested in trying no-till can rent this drill from the district at a low cost. Give the district a call for more information. 724-378-1701 or check or website at: www.beavercountyconservationdistrict.org

Winter Grazing in Beaver County??? Just because the snow is flying does not mean the grazing season is over. Cattle and sheep can remain on pasture despite freezing temperatures and snow. These pictures show cattle and sheep grazing in Beaver County on December 1 and 2, 2020 with 4 inches of snow on the ground. With intensive rotational grazing management and stockpiling of grass; grazing in December and even into February is possible. Grazing management can improve your bottom line as well as improve soil health, reduce erosion and improve water quality. The conservation district can assist farmers with development of grazing plans. We also help farmers meet state requirements for manure and nutrient management. Contact the district to get started on enhancements to your grazing operation.

Check out our Winter 2020 Newsletter! There's some really interesting articles inside! Please click the link below or go to our website! https://5f0174b2-eefd-4e43-b338-53cb1d8ab173.filesusr.com/

Fire in the Forest! November 10, 2020 was a beautiful day. The sun was shining brightly and the temperature was 76 degrees. The humidity was 47% and winds were light from the south. The steep south facing hillside of the Conservation District Environmental Center had a heavy cover of very dry leaves, much of them oak leaves. Then, all of the suddensomething happened...nobody knows for sure and in an instant there was fire on the ground. Within minutes flames were racing up... the hill. The steep hillside aided the fire’s spread. As soon as District personnel became aware of the scope of the scene unfolding on the hill, 911 was called. District personnel used the tools available to them to slow the spread of the fire and warn neighbors up on top of the hill. District personnel continued to assist first responders until sufficient resources were summoned to put out the fire. In total, about 2.2 acres of upland forest on District property and our neighbors’ was burned. Fortunately, no homes were lost. Fire is a natural part of upland oak forests in Beaver County. The forest will be fine. Some trees not well adapted to fire will be lost, but most trees growing on the hill side are none the worse for wear. Mature oak trees were protected by their thick bark. Smaller oak trees which were burned will resprout from the roots in spring. These oaks will have room to grow as hemlock, maple and beech trees, which are not well adapted to fire, are lost to the flames and resulting injury. If you walk the forest path next May you will find that the beautiful wildflowers and the fresh leaves will once again spring forth. The Conservation District would like to thank the many fire companies who responded in our time of need. The service of these volunteers is much appreciated!

Beaver County Conservation District: Moving Forward Given these difficult times with COVID19, budget issues and other challenges; the conservation district is moving forward: accomplishing and even exceeding goals and expectations. New management and a reinvigorated staff have accomplished many tasks as they have focused on our mission to preserve natural resources and protect/promote the health, safety and general welfare of the people of Beaver County.... Despite challenges in 2020 the district has held two in person agriculture workshops to support our farming community and provide updated science based information. The district has also held a virtual rain barrel workshop and our annual tree sale. We also hosted a Scouts BSA merit badge event. The conservation district is currently developing future events to support our community. These times call for an increased presence on the web and social media. The district implemented numerous updates to our website https://www.beavercountyconservationdistrict.org/ A YouTube channel was created https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA5wbgtimAk0DLIE2TOW4CQ The district also maintains a Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/BeaverCountyConservationDistrict/ Several educational videos have been produced. Topics include tree identification, wetland plant identification and wetland functions just to name a few. Log on to our social media sites and see the good things happening. Our Environmental Center is open to the public. The district has refurbished the native plant rain garden. Trails have been maintained and improved. Invasive plant management has begun. A recent Eagle Scout project placed new bat boxes on the grounds. Come, take a walk. Enjoy the Environmental Center grounds. The district is available to assist farmers, homeowners, contractors and others in Beaver County. Our office is open by appointment. Call the district office at 724-378-1701 with any questions you may have. The district welcomes the opportunity to help the residents of Beaver County.

BCCD is looking for Associate Directors. If you are interested in becoming one, please click the link below for more information. https://5f0174b2-eefd-4e43-b338-53cb1d8ab173.filesusr.com/