Become a steward of nature

In today’s world we hear a lot of information about going green and protecting the environment. As the world becomes more and more over populated, there are more dangers occurring in our shrinking landscape. The green spaces are becoming less and the urban spaces continue to spread, depleting many of our natural landscapes and resources.

If you are involved with gardening, farming, forestry, range management, or any other numerous areas of the natural world, you are also a steward of the earth. Being a steward of the earth is exactly as it seems, being a mentor and protector of all things natural while educating the public about its value.

Regardless of your level of expertise, anyone can play a part in enhancing and protecting the environment for future generations to come. Whether you are an individual who just happens to plant a small garden or an extremist who transforms their entire yard for planting, they all enhance the world in which we live.

Our world is so full of ways and processes to create more with less at a faster rate with larger payouts. Nine times out of 10 this will also destroy many natural elements along the way to encourage more profits. With continued practices of this nature, many of our natural resources and environments will become depleted and enter a state of disrepair quickly.

Many people are taking notice to these changes in our world and are beginning to make alterations in how they do things in their own life. People are beginning to recycle and reuse products so new items do not have to be produced in excess. People are finding more efficient cars so our fuel resources are stretched further. Many are updating their homes so there is less energy being wasted and planting around their place of residence to encourage the best protection from cold winter winds along with shading their home in the intense heat of summer. All of these small practices encourage a better environment for us to live.

Farmers are finding that less till and more cover crops preserve the soils moisture while allowing the same crop yields. This practice calls for less manpower in the field while saving on fuel and equipment costs. Some are becoming more organic so the foods we eat do not have the chemical residuals that have occurred so much in the past. Sometimes these better practices cost us more financially in the long run to purchase, but a healthier food source will create a healthier body saving us all money with less illness and medical costs.

Other people are preserving the quality of the soils in which they plant their crops, making it richer in nutrients and saving them from being blown away in the winds on dry years. The additive of windrows and shelterbelts also encourages these resources to stay firm and not blow into the next county. It is the top layers of the soil that are the richest and most productive, so it is imperative that these soils remain for many years to come.

Often time people are also recycling their water usage, whether at home or on the farm, to make sure that it remains useable for other purposes on the land. A toxic slurry of chemicals in the water will not do anyone any good in the long run, so proper filtering and less chemicals is much better for the water quality we currently use along with protecting the aquifers deep underground. With only about 2 to 3 percent of the water on earth being fresh water, with about half of that being frozen in the world’s glaciers and ice sheets, it is critical that we protect this resource through clean and environmental practices.

Forestry services and other groups help to maintain our national parks and reserves. They encourage the development of new tree stands and adding to the current forestlands. Even individuals who own large areas of land are finding it beneficial to add more trees for wind protection and cleaner air.

People who own ranches know the basics to preserving the land where their livestock graze. They rotate the acreage that the animals feed upon with a rotational schedule to ensure the ground remains productive and clean for a sustainable future. Anyone that knows a rancher or farmer knows that these professions come with long days and hours of hard work.

All enhancements of the land also encourage new habitats for wildlife, which is an integral part of our landscape. Not only do we get enjoyment out of experiencing them in our natural spaces, but they also keep a balance within the ecology in our region.

This past week, the Stutsman County Soil Conservation Agency handed out their annual awards for those who have contributed a great example of what it is to be a steward of our land. Please give special recognition to the following individuals for their achievements in making our environment a better place to be.

These awards honored Robert and Holly Froehlich with the Water Quality Award, Kim and Darline Trautman with the Farmstead Windbreak Renovation Award, Randy Wilson with the Soil Health Award, Gary Carlson with the Farmstead Windbreak Award, Terry Gruchalla with the Tree Maintenance Award, Ron Thom with the Range Management Award, David and Barb Glinz with the Education Award, Frank and Jeannette Redlin Family with the Wildlife Conservation Award, John Zvirovski with the Urban Conservation Award, LuAnn and Darrell Martin with the Backyard Conservation Award, and Carig and Michal Reister Family with the Overall Achievement Award.

All of these individuals have contributed positive enhancements to our environment and pave the way for many others to assist in being good stewards of the earth. Be a part of our own healthy future by naturally enhancing the space around you and your family. Not only with this enrich your own life, but will affect many other in a very positive way.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving and be thankful for all of the positive amenities that our natural environment allows us to enjoy. Let’s all be a steward of the land and make this a better world in which to live.

Tags: life, garden