2013 Land Judging Contest

Congratulations to Curry High School for winning the 2013 Walker County Land Judging Contest.  Parrish High School placed 2nd and Colter Julian of Parrish High School was the high individual scorer.  Thanks to Mr. James Key for hosting the land judging contest at his farm, Walker County Board of Education for digging the holes to be judged and the Walker County Forestry Planning Committee for providing lunch.  There were 6 schools from Walker County that participated in this year's contest.

Where The Wood Meets The Road Workshop

Where The Wood Meets The Road – Regulations and Guidelines from BMP’s to DOT workshop will be held on Thursday, September 26, 2013 in Jasper, AL.  The workshop will cover forestry BMP’S during the morning session and will cover Federal DOT regulations and County Road ordinances after lunch.  There will be 4.5 CFE units available for Registered Foresters and 6.0 PLM hours for Professional Logging Managers for attending the workshop.  Also anyone interested in learning about the latest Federal DOT regulations is invited to attend.  There is no charge to attend, however, reservations are requested by contacting Katherine with the Walker County Soil and Water Conservation District at (205) 387-1879 ext. 1.  You can also click on the agenda for additional information.

2013 Clear Water Alabama Seminars and Field Day

The above workshop will be held in Birmingham, AL on October 8, 2013 through October 10, 2013.  This seminar is offered

to assist planners, designers, contractors, inspectors and others to learn more about erosion and sediment control practices and products.  For more information click on the brochure or call Earl Norton at 334-728-4107.

Geology, Soils & Erosion and Sediment Control workshop

The above workshop will be held at the Alabama Power Conference Center in Clanton, AL on August 20, 2013.  Agenda and registration details are available at: www.alchapterswcs.aces.edu.  You can also click on the brochure for additional details.

Conservation Pledge

In honor of those that have given so much for this great Country let us also remember the important role that our natural resources play in our lives.

2010 Walker County Agriculture, Forestry and Related Industries Stats

Thanks to the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and the Alabama Agribusiness Council for providing these stats.  Click on each page for easier viewing.

2013 Renew Our Rivers Bankhead Lake Cleanup

Another successful river cleanup!  75 volunteers removed 7.77 tons of trash and debris from Bankhead Lake.  Click on memo below for additional information

2013 Wildlife School For Landowners

The 2013 Wildlife School For Landowners will be held August 22, 2013 through August 23, 2013 in Enterprise, AL.  Some of the topics that will be covered this year will be: wild pig damage and control, introduction to timber managment, managing pine for native wildlife plants, deer management and managing food plots and wildlife openings.  The field tour will be held at Fort Rucker on August 23, 2013.  CEU's will be available.  For additional information call Katherine at (205) 384-0606 ext. 1.

Please like the Walker County Soil and Water Conservation District on facebook to see whats going on and to find out about upcoming events!

2013 ACDEA $500.00 scholarship winner

Congratulations to Madison Elmore, senior at Curry High School for winning the 2013 Area III ACDEA scholarship!

Blue bird houses still available!

We still have blue bird houses for sale at the Walker County Soil & Water Conservation office. The houses are $12.00/each and will offer a great conservation opportunity for you to enjoy with your children or grandchildren. Each house comes as a kit containing six pre-cut pieces that are ready to join with no tools, nails or hardware being required. Simply follow the picture instructions to slide the pieces together. It's up to you if you would like to paint the exterior of the bird house. The door will easily remove to clean out the house. We will also provide an informational sheet regarding the suggested placement of the house. If you have any questions or would like additional information please call our office at (205) 387-1879.

Private Pesticide Applicator Permit Training to be held in Double Springs on February 19, 2013

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System will hold a training and exam session needed to get a new permit or renew an existing permit. This program will be held on Tuesday, February 19, 2013, at the Traders and Farmers Bank Bernice Hilton Walker Building upstairs meeting room in Double Springs. The meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. No pre-registration is required. There will be no charge for this program, but the three-year permit from the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries costs $25. At this program, we will cover the basics needed for the exam. Producers also have the option to use a take-home self-study packet at any time of year; however, most people find it more convenient to take the test at this class. Most farmers in Winston County get this permit so that they can buy Grazon (2,4-D+picloram) for pasture weed control. This herbicide does an excellent job on dogfennel, which is also known as summer cedar. The 2012 growing season was a severe fall armyworm year, and many of the more economical insecticides used on fall armyworms are restricted. This permit will allow the holder to buy any restricted use pesticide, including those needed for fall armyworms. For more information, call Mike Henshaw at (205) 489-5376.

Walker County Forestry Planning Committee Annual Tree Sale

The Walker County Forestry Planning Committee will hold it's annual tree sale event at the Jasper Wal-Mart Garden Center on Friday, February 22, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, February 23, 2013 from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. All trees will be containerized or bare root seedlings and will be available on a first come first serve basis. Cost will be $2.00 per tree. Please call 205-387-1879 or email kpattonwalkersoil@gmail.com for an itemized list. Proceeds go to promote conservation education in Walker County.

2013 scholarship applications available

The Walker County Soil & Water Conservation District is now accepting applications for a $500.00 scholarship sponsored by the Alabama Conservation District Employees Association. Applicant must be a U. S. citizen, high school senior, and living in the State of Alabama. Applications may be picked up at the District office located in the Carl Elliott Board of Education Building, Suite 207, 1710 Alabama Avenue in Jasper. Deadline to receive completed applications in the District office is March 8, 2013. For more information, please contact Katherine Patton at (205) 384-0606 or 387-1879 ext 1.