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MARCH NEWSLETTER
“In March winter is holding back and spring is pulling forward. Something holds and something pulls inside of us too.” ― Jean Hersey
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Is Benton SWCD affected by recent changes?
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A message from Michael Ahr, Executive Director
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Over the last few weeks, several community members have asked me if Benton SWCD is affected by the federal layoffs and freezes in federal grant funding that are
occurring. This reflection is meant in no way to be political, but the reality is that we are certainly affected by these changes in federal agencies.
When asked whether we’re affected, I realize that people first wonder if our budget will be reduced or if we’ll be losing any staff. I’m pleased to say that our
staff will not be reduced and our budget should remain healthy. Nonetheless, we are significantly impacted by these changes through partnerships and project management.
If I went back through the last 20 years of annual reports and removed all of the content that never would have happened without federal partnership, you’d be reading
some very short and boring annual reports with little to celebrate. Our greatest projects are in partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. We depend on the expertise of Bureau of Land Management and
the USDA Forest Service about invasive weed management and landscape scale collaboration across public and private lands. We depend on federal funds to make these projects happen, but what is even more valuable is the technical skills and knowledge that these
federal employees share with us and local land managers. It’s common that land managers agree to participate in programs because they like the person they would work with – not necessarily the agency they would work with. Without hesitation, I can say that
our greatest agricultural conservation projects and our best oak restoration projects could not have happened without the work ethic and technical experience of the federal employees that helped us make them happen.
Benton County is a tight community with many federal workers. Each of us knows a friend, partner, or former colleague that has been “relieved of their duties.”
Our heart goes out to our friends who have been displaced.
On a brighter note, I’m inspired by our staff and the way we pulled off another successful Plant Sale on March 1. I speak for all staff when I say a giant thank
you to our volunteers and we all took a moment this week to share how much we love the conversations that we have with our volunteers and customers during this beloved event. The event was a bright spot during a tough time. The great work of the District
continues. Onward!
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Applications for Habitat Conservationist now open
Join a team of dedicated conservationists to help make a difference in Benton County! This position focuses on agricultural water quality in the rural areas of our county working with farmers, ranchers, woodland
owners, and other land managers on voluntary conservation projects.
Applications are due March 30th.
Learn more and apply
here
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Weed of the Month: Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum)
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Our weed of the month for March is Herb Robert
(Geranium robertianum). This little annual plant goes by a variety of rather fun common names, which include but are not limited to: Stinky Bob, Robert’s geranium, Red Robin, and more. So much
variety!
This species is commonly found in moist, partially shaded areas such as forest understories or along riparian areas. It can handle a variety of light intensities
and often pops up opportunistically when other species are removed during restoration activities. Every aspect of the plant is noticeable. Beginning in late April-early May, you’d likely notice this species by its small, five-petaled pink flowers. If not flowering,
it can also be identified by its bright red stems on a mature plant and its deeply dissected leaves in a 3-way arrangement like the letter ‘T’.
Though this species is charismatic, it can also be problematic. As mentioned, it’s an opportunistic invader that competes with native germinant plants in early
spring. You may have even seen it in similar environments with another common weedy geranium species shining geranium, which together have potential to cover large swaths of forest or riparian areas if left unmanaged.
All and all, if you have this species on your property, keep an eye on its spread. If it’s a small patch that you’d like to remove, this species has a shallow root
system that is easily hand-pulled. If you have a larger infestation that requires chemical control, consult with a local pesticide applicator or visit the
PNW Weed
Handbook for guidance on this species.
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Announcing the winners of our 2025 Conservation Education Grants!
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Our annual Conservation Education mini-grants provide $500 to projects led by schools and educators throughout Benton
County. Here’s a look at this year’s recipients!
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Professional Development Opportunity for Teachers - Scholarship Available!
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Summer Agriculture Institute (SAI) is a week-long graduate level program for Oregon educators. Participants receive
hands-on instruction and materials to incorporate agriculture into classroom curriculum. Take a deep dive into Oregon agriculture and learn how to use agriculture as a context for teaching academic standards!
Benton SWCD is offering a FULL SCHOLARSHIP to one Benton County teacher. To apply and learn more, visit:
https://oregonaitc.org/events/sai/
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Join us for food, fun, program updates, and an exciting keynote speaker - Amy Garrett of the Dry Farming Institute! Amy is the co-director of the Dry
Farming Institute and has more than 25 years of experience in the horticulture industry ranging from landscape design, installation and maintenance to organic farming, research, and education. Amy will share inspiring information about DFI's important work
and ways that you can conserve water in your own garden or farm.
Check
out our Facebook event page to learn more and RSVP (though no RSVP is necessary to attend). We hope to see you there!
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Copyright (C) 2025 Benton Soil & Water Conservation District. All rights reserved.
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