Vincennes University Jasper Campus land stewardship seeking members
The VUJC Land Stewardship Initiative is offering membership in its planning committees to allow community members to volunteer their expertise and time.
The Land Stewardship Initiative is a partnership between Vincennes University’s Jasper campus and the Dubois County Soil and Water Conservation District.
The Initiative aims to use the campus as a research and demonstration area for sustainable use of the land including cropland, forests, and watercourses. We are looking for help with projects that range from the technical, such as developing a plan for stream restoration, to the simple, such as maintaining a vegetable garden.
The Initiative is divided into several committees, each responsible for achieving its own portion of the larger group’s goals.
The Ag Committee manages the Initiative’s 50 acres of no-till cropland and the areas of warm season grasses around the campus. The committee develops a cropping plan each year, and monitors crop growth.
The Finance Committee manages the Initiative’s annual budgets and long term financial strategies. It is also tasked with securing funding for the future of the project.
The Forestry Committee manages the Initiative’s woodlands. It has completed an inventory of the forests and is ready to begin drafting a management plan.
The Research, Education, and Demonstration Committee is responsible for publicizing the Initiative’s findings and recommendations. It will work through as many venues as possible, both online and off, to spread the Initiative’s message.
The Watercourse Committee manages and monitors the streams and ditches on the Initiative’s land. The committee also provides recommendations on how to improve water quality and aquatic habitat.
All help is appreciated; you can volunteer as little or as much time as you like. If you feel that you could offer your support or advice to any of these committees’ efforts, please call the Dubois County SWCD at 482-1171 Ext. 3 or email msmithswcd@gmail.com.
