The first record of concern about erosion was recorded in Roman times, when landowners and social philosophers expressed concern about the degrading quality of the soil as it was subject to tenant farming. The complaints expressed then could, with very few changes, be mistaken for the concerns of a farmer or conservationist today. Conservation is a topic that’s always relevant!
The work of conservation districts, according to the National Association of Conservation Districts, is “to coordinate assistance from all available sources - public and private, local, state and federal - to develop locally-driven solutions to natural resource concerns,” and to “work directly with landowners to conserve and promote healthy soils, water, forests, and wildlife.” Thirty years after the creation of conservation districts, growing concern about the environmental issues of the day spurred the creation of Earth Day - a global day of action dedicated to environmental reform. Earth Day has continued to be a dedicated day of advocacy for environmental care for more than fifty years.
This year on Earth Day, we - along with others around the globe - are considering the ways that we can invest in the planet and in the project of conservation in the year ahead. If you’re looking for concrete ways to contribute to a conservation project in 2022, a great way is to choose native plants for landscaping in your yard! Native plants provide incredible ecosystem benefits and are a great way to invest in conservation in your own back yard. If you’re planning spring landscaping projects, “‘tis the season” for native plant sales. Keep your eye out for other opportunities to buy native plants through the Indiana Native Plant Society, Indy Urban Acres, Marian University, and the Indiana Wildlife Federation in coming months, and check out the rest of our website for landscaping ideas.
