Lawrence County Soil & Water Conservation District

THE MISSION OF THE LAWRENCE COUNTY SWCD IS TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE, EDUCATION, AND TECHNICAL SERVICE TO THE TO THE LAND USERS OF LAWRENCE COUNTY IN CONSERVING SOIL, WATER, AND RELATED NATURAL RESOURCES

Get Involved With Your SWCD

Volunteer - Help your county SWCD with legislative awareness programs for local, state and federal officials, conservation programs, urban and agricultural BMPs (Best Management Practices) field days, fundraising, tree sales, youth and adult edu-cation events or surveying.

Serve as a Supervisor - Represent your community on the county SWCD board as a natural resource decision maker. Identify local soil and water conservation issues and develop SWCD programs that provide solutions to these issues.

Serve as an Associate Supervisor - Attend monthly board meetings and provide input to the SWCD board on local soil and water conservation issues and programs.

This month's invasive species is Spotted Knapwood. It was introduced from Eastern Europe in the early 1900's mixed in with crop seed. Spotted Knapweed is a short-lived perennial herb. This plant can grow 1-2 feet tall with grayish hairy leaves. During its first year, it will grow just as a rosette. The Flowers are thistle-like and can be pink to purple. This species threatens savannas, grasslands, sand dunes, and prairies. It can cause a serious decline in forage and crop production. It does this by releasing a toxin that reduces the growth of other species. Spotted Knapweed is a high seed producers and its seed can remain in the soil for five or more years. This invasive is primarily spread because of humans. It is usually spread through hay and vehicle under carries. Producers and citizens can help by learning to identify this invasive. It is important that invasive species are kept under control. This saves more money as well as some of most beautiful native species.