Rural Conservation Program
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Rural Life in Washington County
The rural landscapes of Washington County are bolstered by rich soil, ample rainfall, and a mild climate. These conditions allow farms, vineyards, and livestock operations to flourish amongst vibrant and diverse rural communities. As industry and urban living expand within the county, it’s important we preserve our rural spaces to ensure these valuable lands remain available to provide us with food, goods, and natural spaces.
We work closely with residents to ensure rural lifestyles and that the land on which we depend thrives now and into the future.
- Fun fact: Size
Most rural properties in Washington County are between 1 and 50 acres.
- Fun fact: Land use
These lands are used for a variety of purposes – from residential properties to small farms to larger agricultural operations.
How we can help:
Soil health, water conservation, plant management, pollinator and wildlife habitat, and pollution reduction are all important considerations with multi-use land, and they require individualized solutions.
- Property visits
We offer site visits to assess the natural resources on your property by examining soils, plants, mud and manure management, water systems, and habitat.
- Irrigation recommendations
We provide recommendations for increasing irrigation efficiency, soil health, plant productivity, and pollination services by developing agricultural management plans.
Irrigation Efficiency - Preserving farmland
We connect you to resources for farm inheritance planning, conservation easements, and other information for preserving farmland.
Farmland Preservation - Attend a workshop
We host educational workshops to share knowledge about emerging issues and innovative land management.
Find a Workshop - Soil Testing
We provide two free soil tests to Washington County residents who meet eligibility requirements.
Testing the chemical composition of your soil
Financial support for rural conservation:
We offer financial resources for implementing conservation projects. Example projects include irrigation improvements, pasture management, and native hedgerow plantings.
