Spring is Around the Corner
We're excited about the rebirth and renewal that spring brings. But just because it is cold outside, doesn't mean that our earth, or you, has been dormant. Maybe you've planted cover crops to restore nutrients to and stabilize your soil. Maybe you've picked up a new hobby like canning or seed preservation. Maybe you've done maintenance to high tunnels or raised beds to prepare them for the growing season. Maybe you've joined a conversation about conservation with a friend or group. Whatever you've been up to this winter, we hope you've stayed safe, healthy, and warm.
Read on to discover how you can help us advocate for native plants, join a class to create your best garden yet, and meet some folks who have been helping sustain our planet.
If we haven't met yet, we look forward to getting to know you. If we've worked together before, we look forward to seeing you again.
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Native Plant Ordinance
We've been working with Metro Louisville to draft a new weed ordinance that will allow people to grow native landscapes in their yards without being penalized by code enforcement. We need your help to get this important ordinance passed. Between now and March 3rd, please contact your Metro Council representative and ask them to vote in support of native plants (revision of the Louisville Weeds Ordinance 156.052 D).
Native plants are essential to healthy ecosystems by increasing groundwater infiltration, reducing flood risk, filtering pollutants, minimizing erosion, sequestering carbon, supporting wildlife, and improving public health.
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Getting Your Garden Started Classes
Whether you're looking to start your first garden ever or grow your best garden ever, tune into our two-part virtual series that will teach you everything you need to know to achieve gardening success this year. Classes will be held on March 7th and March 14th from 12-1 pm. Thanks to Jefferson County Extension and Kentuckiana Backyard Farms for partnering with us on this series.
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Rain Barrels for Sale
If you missed our rain barrel sale last month, don't worry! You can still get a rain barrel through our office. You can get a 55-gallon rain barrel + installation kit starting at $25. They are easy to install - watch our how-to video on YouTube. If you're interested in receiving a rain barrel, please email Erin: educator@jeffcd.org
Help us get at least 30 new rain barrels in Jefferson County by April 2022!
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Jim Claypool Art & Writing Contest Winners
For the last 60 years, students across Kentucky have been participating in the Jim Claypool Art & Writing Contest. Each year the contest focuses on a different conservation theme. The theme for 2021 was "We All Need Water" and students K-12 were encouraged to participate. We were thrilled with all the creative and thoughtful entries from students in this year's contest.
Art Winners
1st: County and Regional, Kana Kawasaki - Bowen Elementary (pictured)
2nd: Brennan Phillips - Dunn Elementary
3rd: Koda Rudolph - Norton Elementary
Writing Winners
1st: Amanda Irizarry
2nd: Josi Hofmeister
3rd: Savannah McKnelly
Regional Winner for Art
Kana Kawasaki - Bowen Elementary
The contest theme and details are announced in the fall. Stay connected with our office for 2022 contest details.
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Conservation Champions: NativeScapes
This quarter's Conservation Champion is NativeScapes, a local partner in land management.
Alan Nations started NativeScapes fifteen years ago with a passion for ecological restoration. Through long-term contracts (usually a minimum of 3 years) and with the assistance of dedicated crews, NativeScapes extracts invasive species and plants native species in their place.
NativeScapes works in Certified Wildlife Habitats employing techniques such as ecological thinning to create more sustainable and enriching spaces for birds, insects, and other critters to thrive. This is done by cutting trees that are non-native or less desirable as shelter or food sources to create space for more desirable trees to crown out, produce seed, and further their lineage. Currently, Alan and his crew are working on a five-year project at Blackbird Bend, a property that spans over 30 acres along the large bend in Floyds Fork.
The history of the land is an all too familiar story. Over a decade ago folks moved in (likely with kernels of kudzu seed on their machinery and stuck to the bottom of their boots) and logged the land for all it was worth, cutting down hundred-plus-year-old trees and leaving the forest floor bare in their wake. The exposed soil left behind was the perfect breeding ground for kudzu seeds to germinate. In just a few years the ground was covered in the dreaded pervasive green vine, quickly making its way up every trunk insight. These acres now are being cared for by Alan’s Crew: Brad Nations, Jeff Henderson, and Cliff Hull. They’ve only begun this winter and the transformation is already palpable.
We thank these Conservation Champions for their hard work and care.
The project at Blackbird Bend is an applicant of the EQIP program, a Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) cost-share program that aids property owners in removing invasive species. If you’re interested in learning more about this program, contact soiltech@jeffcd.org or william.price2@usda.gov.
You can reach the NativeScapes team at nativescapes@twc.com.
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Welcome, Madeline!
We're pleased to introduce our newest employee, Madeline, who has joined our team as a Soil Technician.
Madeline comes to the District with a background in community garden work in West Louisville and experience with small-scale organic farms across the country. She is interested in assisting growers with regenerative techniques and making urban agriculture accessible to all growers in Jefferson County.
Madeline's already hit the ground running by heading our urban high tunnel initiative and managing our CAIP program. Madeline can be reached at soiltech@jeffcd.org.
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There will be categories set up so you can drop what you have in the appropriate place before you "shop" around. Don't have anything to swap? That's okay! Sometimes you just need a few tools and plants to get you started! 
