Americorps Groundwater Educator Moving To Kalamazoo Conservation District This Fall

Beginning October 2, 2006 the Kalamazoo Conservation District will host the AmeriCorps Groundwater Educator for Kalamazoo, Cass and St. Joseph Counties. This position, previously housed at Michigan State University Extension in Kalamazoo County, is funded through the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program. The groundwater educator provides residential assistance regarding groundwater contamination risks. The goal of the program to reduce the contamination of pesticides and fertilizers into ground and surface water is met through various educational events. Workshops are held to teach homeowners about proper fertilizer and pesticide use and storage, managing household hazardous waste, and managing shoreline property to protect water quality. Other topics regarding abandoned wells, septic systems, and on-site fuel storage are also be included in these workshops.

Free programming will begin this fall using the Home*A*Syst and Lawn*A*Syst materials to assess risks to homeowner property. Please consider attending one of these sessions to help increase groundwater quality awareness. More information on dates and locations will be coming in October.

For more information regarding the program, please contact Melanie Stoughton at szewczy5@msu.edu. If you would like to learn more about the Kalamazoo Conservation District and its programs, please call 327-1258 ext. 4.

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The Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program is designed to help residents and farmers identify ways to reduce the risk of groundwater contamination associated with the application of pesticides and nitrogen fertilizers. Programs are both voluntary and confidential and aim to maintain a focus on the financial and technical constraints that drive everyday decisions. MGSP is a cooperative effort between Michigan Department of Agriculture, Michigan State University Extension, USAD Natural Resources Conservation Service and Michigan's AmeriCorps. Close coordination is also maintained with Michigan Farm Bureau, Michigan Agri-Business Association and the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts.

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MSU Extension is an Affirmative-Action Equal-Opportunity Institution. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, or family status.

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