Benton Soil & Water Conservation District
Welcome to the BSWCD Home Page
New SWCD Employee
Benton SWCD would like to welcome Crystal Durbecq to our staff! Crystal will be serving as the Stewardship Coordinator / Invasive Species Specialist for Benton SWCD. She comes from a diverse background in natural resources with an emphasis in plant survey and management. She has a B.S. in Natural Resources from Oregon State University and has worked for both private and federal agencies on various botanical projects. In her current position she is the coordinator for the Meyer Memorial Willamette Mainstem Partnership Grant. She is available for plant questions, especially pertaining to invasive species management or identification needs. She and her husband enjoy living in Kings Valley near the Luckiamute River. In her time off Crystal spends lots of time hiking local trails and mushroom hunting.
Continuing Education Scholarship
Congratulations to Jennifer Allen, Matthew Cook & Patty Hanchett for receiving a Continuing Education Scholarship from Benton SWCD to attend the Summer Agriculture Institute (SAI) program. SAI is a week-long clinic coordinated by Oregon State University. The program is designed to help non-agricultural K-12 educators use agriculture as a context for teaching.
Upcoming EventsMark your calendar for these events coming soon
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BENTON COUNTY INVASIVE SPECIES PLANNING EFFORT
A steering committee comprised of representatives from federal, state, and local governments as well as nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and industry isconvening September 7, 2011 to launch an effort to collaborate and coordinate invasive species efforts in Benton County. The effort, led by the Benton Soil & Water Conservation District, is intended to advance conservation of high quality oak savanna and prairie habitat, increase public awareness and access to resources for reporting and combating invasives, and effect collaboration among local partners to address invasive plant species. [Read More]
Photo Galleries!
We have just posted photo galleries from some of Benton SWCD's many activities in the community in recent years. We have some photos of events from 2010, 2009, 2008, and 2004-2007!
Subscribe to One of Our Mailing Lists!
We have recently converted several of our mailing lists to Google Groups!
See our Mailing Lists page for more information about each list and subscribe!
Natural Resource Scholarships
Benton SWCD is proud to offer scholarships to Benton County residents who are pursuing degrees in natural resources fields.2010 Natural Resources Scholarship Awards
To encourage citizens to pursue studies in natural resources, Benton SWCD awarded $1000 scholarships to:- Annette Patton, 2009 Corvallis High School graduate
- Jahnsam Richardson, 2010 Corvallis High School graduate
What's All the Fuss About Invasive Species?
The Oregon Department of Agriculture Director estimates that Oregon spends $81 million annually on invasives that are harmful to agriculture, water resources, or human health.
Our new Invasive Species web page covers the basics about why it's important to be aware of them, as well as some steps you can take to help stop the invasion and to help native plants to grow instead.
"Voles are not moles...
...but they still make holes". Meet the critters, the farmers whom they ate out of house and home and a scientist who thinks they may do some good after all," says Oregon Field Guide in promotional copy for a segment with OSU soil scientist James Cassidy on voles.New/Updated Brochures Available Online
Several of our brochures are now available online for download and viewing or printing. Take a self-guided tour of the Dixon Creek watershed, build your own worm bin, or find out more about organizations that support sustainable living in the Corvallis community!
See our Brochures section for more details!
Philomath High School Compost Project
The Environmental Protection Agency awarded the Benton County Health Department an Environmental Justice Grant in 2004. One goal of the grant was to increase high school students' awareness and knowledge of local environmental issues. Benton County Health Department recruited Philomath High School juniors for a compost research project. The students selected topics, wrote literature reviews and contacted professionals in the community to serve as their mentors. Research projects designed around the students' interests became the foundations for their senior project presentations in May 2007.
Visit the Philomath High School Compost Project page!
Other Events and Goings On
Subscribe to our mailing lists to find out about soil and water related events in the community , receive our Horizons newsletter, or receive announcements about soil and water conservatio n related jobs!
We have several upcoming events -- check our Calendar to find out more.
- Check our Teachers and Educators page to read our most recent education newsletter and learn about grants available to educators.
We also have a number of resources for landowners, and community members, as well as other opportunities to get involved and volunteer.