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NRCS and Audubon California are working together to save Tricolored Blackbirds.
Local Farmers and Conservationists Save 65,000 Rare Tricolored Blackbirds

Typically, it wouldn’t be especially noteworthy that six Tulare and Kern County farmers finished harvesting their silage crops last week, even if it is a little later than usual. However, the actions of these six farmers, with help from conservationists at NRCS and Audubon California, have resulted in saving more than 65,000 rare Tricolored Blackbirds. The species is now federally listed as a Bird of Conservation Concern, a California state Species of Special Concern, and also protected under the provisions of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

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State Conservationist Carlos Suarez (left) honored Ken Lair on March 7, 2013. Photo: Holly Shiralipour, NRCS
Volunteer Ken Lair Puts Conservation First

Dedicated volunteer Ken Lair (NRCS, retired) received the Earth Team National Individual Award from State Conservationist Carlos Suarez in March 2013. Suarez commended Lair for the countless volunteer hours he has spent working on conservation field trials in multiple locations. He also commented on the passion that Lair has for his work, which is contagious among the people he has recruited to assist with the trials. Read the USDA blog, Volunteer Ken Lair Puts Conservation First, about Lair's heartfelt dedication to conservation.

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Unlock the Secrects in the Soil
Unlock the Secrets in the Soil

Soil – a living and life-giving substance, without which we would perish. As world population and food production demands rise, keeping our soil healthy and productive is of paramount importance. So much so that we believe improving the health of our Nation’s soil is one of the most important endeavors of our time. By focusing more attention on soil health we can help our Nation’s farmers and ranchers feed the world more profitably and sustainably – now and for generations to come.

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Healthy soil should be dark, crumbly, and porous—rather like chocolate cake.
Before Spring Planting Expert Says, "Dig a Little. Learn a Lot."

As spring temperatures go up, it’s an excellent time for farmers, ranchers and gardeners to focus their attention down to the soil below them. A spring check-up of your soil’s health gives clues of your ground’s ability to feed plants, hold water, capture carbon and more. No fancy equipment required. Just grab a spade or shovel and prepare your senses to dig a little and learn a lot.

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Web Soil Survey information is now available in Spanish.
Web Soil Survey Serves Bilingual Information

The USDA-NRCS Web Soil Survey is the main information site for the public to access soil survey data. It now has reports in Spanish! Beginning in November 2012, a project was launched to deliver soils information in Spanish to the large segment of Hispanic farmers, ranchers, land managers, and other producers in the country. Within just a few months, the Web Soil Survey reports were produced and now the soil map unit descriptions are available in Spanish. For more information visit the Web Soil Survey home page.

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Unlock the Secrects in the Soil

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Read About California NRCS in the News

WOW! 2011 was a great year for conservation all across California. Find out about farmers, RCDs, landowners, partners, NRCS and other conservationists working together.

Last Modified: 06/14/2013