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Local - Costa Farms Winner of  2024 FDACS Agricultural Environmental Leadership Award

The Highlands Soil and Water Conservation District is a proud partner with Costa Farms on BMP implementation.

 

AgriTest Initiative

Logos for Highlands Soil & Water Conservation District, AgriTest Initiative, and UF IFAS Extension, with a tagline about supporting farm soil & water analysis.

 

We have proudly partnered with the Highlands County Extension to offer free soil and tissue testing for agricutural producers.  For more information, please give them a call at 863-402-6540.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HSWCD Co-Sponsors the Taste of Florida Reception at the South East National Association of Conservation Districts

A fruit display featuring a crocodile sculpture with a person setting up behind it.
Two people serving food, with plates of wings and cups of peanuts on a table, next to informative signs.
People are gathered in a conference room, sitting at tables, eating and socializing.
People are gathered at a food station in a ballroom, with staff serving dishes.
A food display with fruit trays, two people preparing food, and informational signs on a table with cow and bee-themed decorations.
A woman stands at a food table with sliders and cups of salad, wearing gloves and a white polo shirt.
A fruit display featuring a crocodile sculpture with a person setting up behind it.
Two people serving food, with plates of wings and cups of peanuts on a table, next to informative signs.
People are gathered in a conference room, sitting at tables, eating and socializing.
People are gathered at a food station in a ballroom, with staff serving dishes.
A food display with fruit trays, two people preparing food, and informational signs on a table with cow and bee-themed decorations.
A woman stands at a food table with sliders and cups of salad, wearing gloves and a white polo shirt.

HSWCD was proud to serve approximately 180 members of the South East National Association of Conservation Districts a "Taste of Florida" Reception featuring local items such as Swamp Cabbage, Gator tail cooked with Everglades Seasoning, Fresh Shrimp, Strawberries, Boiled Peanuts, Beef Brisket sliders, Orange Juice and more!

 

 

Landowner Assistance Expo -  LAX 2024

An indoor presentation with attendees seated at tables, a screen displaying text, and speakers at the front near an American flag.

The Highlands Soil and Water Conservation District was delighted to collaborate on the 4th Annual Landowner Assistance Expo (LAX) in Sebring, FL, held on June 11th, 2024. During the Expo, we received insights from more than ten public and private organizations about various programs available to landowners who are keen on promoting conservation on their properties.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Registration Is Open! | Citrus Expo

People conversing at an agricultural exhibition booth with product displays and promotional banners.
HSWCD Employees, Kayla Nickerson and Lauren Ahrens, with a vendor at the 2023 Florida Citrus Expo 

Employees of the HSWCD frequently participate in industry group trainings and events to stay informed about innovative conservation techniques in farming and ranching.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Local Working Group Meeting Scheduled April 16, 2024 1:30 p.m.

A professional meeting room with attendees seated, and two presenters standing near screens showing a presentation.
Susie Bishop presenting the Highlands Local Working Group Summary to the USDA-NRCS State Technical Committee in Gainesville, FL. 

Each year, the Highlands Soil and Water Conservation District hosts a Local Working Group Meeting to brainstorm and provide feedback to the USDA on the natural resource issues in the area. 

The summary and recommendations from the Local Working Group Meeting are presented to the USDA-NRCS State Technical Committee at their bi-annual meeting each year.  Prior year presentations and meeting schedules can be found here.

 

 

Landowner Assistance Expo 2023 – LAX 2023

May contain: countryside, farm, field, nature, outdoors, pasture, rural, agriculture, grassland, animal, cattle, cow, livestock, mammal, angus, bull, and bird

Landowners, regardless of acreage, in DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Okeechobee, Osceola and Polk Counties are invited to participate in conversations related to technical assistance, cost-share opportunities, conservation easements, and the financial implications of each program.

 

 

 

 

 

Sebring is Newest Highlands Soil & Water Conservation Supervisor

May contain: clothing, pants, groupshot, person, adult, male, man, accessories, formal wear, and tie
Members of the Highlands Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisors are, from left: T.J. Wohl, Seat 3; Sara Sebring, Seat 5; John Causey, Seat 4; Doug Deen, Seat 1, and Steve Smith, Seat 2.

As the 2022 elected leaders for Florida – Governor Ron DeSantis, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson and Attorney General Ashley Moody, were sworn into their respective offices on Tuesday in Tallahassee, the local Highlands Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisors were also sworn into their elected positions.

Highlands News-Sun, January 8, 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

County's Community Garden Has Plots For Rent

May contain: garden, nature, outdoors, gardening, countryside, field, soil, and person
Avid gardeners have a variety of vegetables growing in the Highlands County Community Garden. 

The garden first started in September 2014, and it has stayed successful with green-thumbed growers every year, Bishop said. “Gardeners share ideas,” she said. “We have a lot of avid gardeners.” 

Highlands News-Sun, Sep 20, 2021. Updated Oct 25, 2022.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Highlands Soil & Water Wins Top Honor

May contain: clothing, pants, face, head, person, photography, portrait, blazer, coat, jacket, adult, male, man, and people
Clegg Hooks, deputy director with the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services – Office of Ag Water Policy (FDACS-OAWP), presented Susie Bishop, with the Highlands Soil & Water Conservation District, the award for Top Soil & Water Conservation District in the state.

 OCALA — The Highlands Soil & Water Conservation District has been named the Top Soil & Water Conservation District in the state. 

Highlands News-Sun; Sep 2, 2018 Updated Jun 13, 2020