The District celebrates 85 years of Conservation, receiving a Citation of Recognition form Senator Corderman’s Office and a Certificate of Recognition from the Board of County Commissioners!
(See our Facebook Page for additional photos: facebook.com/wcscd)
The University of Missouri Social Science Team is recruiting farmers to take part in an interview investigating opportunities and barriers to producing cover crop seed. This research is part of a five-year integrated project aimed at expanding the U.S. cover crop seed industry by increasing production and varietal diversity of cover crop seeds.
We are seeking farmers in multiple areas of the U.S. who already produce or have produced cover crop seed in addition to prospective cover crop seed producers. We are looking for farmer contacts who might be willing to participate in an interview with a member of the research team. We can offer a $75 gift card as an interview incentive.
You can provide your telephone number or email address to us through this form (https://missouri.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9FhiuCYI8G3tQjk) or emailing us hendricksom@missouri.edu or KellyRWilson@missouri.edu.
Educational Outreach/Training
2026 Stewardship and Education Theme is Announced!
Soil. Where it all Begins.
The 2026 NACD Stewardship Week theme, Soil. Where It All Begins, celebrates the incredible power of soil to support life in all its forms. Soil is not just the ground we walk on. It is the starting point for healthy food, clean water, thriving habitats, and resilient communities. From backyard gardens to forests and city parks, everything begins with what is beneath our feet.
Soil does a lot more than grow plants. It holds water, cycles nutrients, and provides homes for billions of living organisms that help keep nature in balance. It keeps roots in place, helps prevent flooding, and supports wildlife and people alike. The trees in our neighborhoods, the food on our tables, and the natural places we love all depend on healthy soils.
Conservation districts across the country work every day to protect this vital resource. Through education, technical support, and local partnerships, they help landowners and communities keep soil healthy, productive, and resilient. Districts also provide free educational resources to schools, families, and community groups to inspire the next generation of soil stewards and help people of all ages connect with conservation in meaningful ways. Whether it is helping farmers manage erosion or supporting school gardens in town, conservation districts lead the way in caring for the land.
When we take care of soil, we are taking care of everything it supports. That is why soil is where it all begins.
Antietam Creek’s Watershed Report Card (2025) Released! Click the link to read about water quality indicators, vital signs, bacteria in the water, watershed associations and more!
University of Maryland is planning to host several training and certification sessions for producer’s to write their operation’s Nutrient Management Plan. Contact the University of Maryland Extension Office at 301-791-1304 for additional details!
Maryland Department of Agriculture announces,
Conservation Education Outreach Program for Small Horse Farms!
Click here for details
Farm Stress Management – Information!
Conservation Grants
2025-2026 Cover Crop Program – Click Here
Contact our office at 301-797-6821 to answer questions or schedule an appointment!
Cost-Share now available for Manure Transport and Injection!
Please contact our office for further details and appointment scheduling at 301-797-6821 and/or visit the Maryland Department of Agriculture website: Manure Transport Program (maryland.gov)
REMEMBER! Participants of Maryland Agricultural Cost-Share (MACS) must certify the agricultural operation associated with the cost-share practice(s) is following a current Nutrient Management Plan (NMP). Click the link for the form required when application is made: Certification Form
Soil Health
Is your SOIL healthy?? See the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Website – Soil Health!!
Community
Bird Feeders/Blue Bird Houses/Bat Houses/Owl Houses
For Sale!! – (Bird Feeders/Houses/Bat Boxes/Owl Boxes – Featuring kiln dried cedar, stainless steel screws, and aluminum hinges)
Contact our office for details (301-797-6821) or stop by between 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.!
Have you moved or moving to a rural area?
Is your neighbor a farmer?
What you need to know (Click Here)!
Maryland’s Bay-Friendly Farming!
Click Here to learn more.
Per the Maryland Department of Agriculture –
IF YOU SEE IT…STOMP IT!
Spotted lanternflies are being reported in a wide area across the state. These invasive pests feed on over 70 types of agricultural products and crops, making them a widespread danger to the agricultural industry. They are currently in their adult life stage. If you see one, stomp it, and report it to MDA online – Additional Information!
Maryland Department of Agriculture requests survey response (Deer Damage Policy Development): Survey
Stormwater Associated with Construction Activity
MDE’s General Discharge Permit For Stormwater Associated with Construction Activity
Maryland General Permit No. 20-CP – Training Availability!!
The Department has reissued this State/National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Construction Activity, effective April 1, 2023. The final permit and associated documentation may be found on the Department’s website by using this link https://mdewwp.page.link/CGP.
Many of our permits are issued with training material and useful guidance available. To make this more accessible, our Program has launched a standalone webpage and will be filling it with presentation materials over time to create a library for operators or consultants to make use of. If you have suggestions or requests for additional training please let us know. The webpage is: https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/water/wwp/Pages/WPPRPTraining.aspx. One upcoming session for the 20CP is listed on the website for February 15. This training will focus on how to stay in compliance with the permit. You can sign up for the training on the website.
If you have any questions on the 20-CP contact Jennifer Nitsch at “jennifer.nitsch@maryland.gov” or Matt Perry at “matt.perry@maryland.gov” and for Chemical Additives/Polymer Use Lillian Deery at “lillian.deery@maryland.gov”.
Other Resources
Backyard Flocks – (Sick Bird Reporting) – Avian Flu
Free resource for Farmers and Landowners in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed! – Conservation Ag Lease Builder (www.AgLeaseBuilder.org)
WCSCD Information
District staff attended our annual Maryland Association of Conservation Districts Winter Meeting in Annapolis, also meeting with Legislation to discuss conservation needs, accomplishments…!
Board Meeting, scheduled, September 10, 2025 – Announcement!
The Washington County Soil Conservation District
2020-2025 Strategic Plan – (Update/Progress)
National Association of Soil Conservation Districts (NACD),“Hall of Distinction“, names one of our own! – Don Spickler (Service beginning in 1971)
Public Information Act (PIA)
For Inquiries/Requests, please submit to:
Dee Price, CESSWI, CSI, District Manager
Washington County Soil Conservation District
1260 Maryland Avenue, Suite 101, Hagerstown, MD 21740
301-797-6821
dee@conservationplace.com
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