Recognizing this year’s Soil and Water Stewardship Week, the Lamb County Soil and Water Conservation District partnered with the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board and the Association of Texas Soil and Water Conservation Districts for the statewide campaign happening from April 25 through May 6.
This year’s theme is “Soil. Where It All Begins,” which recognizes the fundamental role soil plays in numerous areas of Texan life.
From hosting the land that grows food, clothing, and materials, to serving as the foundation of buildings, parks and communities, soil supports every aspect of livelihoods. Environmentally, healthy soil directly correlates with safeguarding water resources, agricultural output and wildlife.
Beginning in 1939, the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board and the Association of Texas Soil and Water Conservation Districts started the initiative to promote mindful and productive use of natural resources. Through conservation programs, education and technical assistance, the goals outlined by TSSWCB and SWCDs aspire to guarantee the availability of natural resources for future generations of Texans.
Within the county, Lamb County Judge James DeLoach signed the proclamation, highlighting the region’s provenance in relation to conservation practices post the Dust Bowl.
“A lot of people in the new generations don’t realize that all of this started during the Dust Bowl,” DeLoach said. “When our land broke out, and the winds came in–just like we’re having at this time of year–that destroyed cropland. The Soil and Water Conservation Service is just for that purpose.”
Projects such as assisting with irrigation system efficiency and providing discounts for planting trees to decrease wind and water erosion are just a few practices the Soil and Water Conservation Services implement.
Overall, Soil and Water Stewardship Week aims to spread awareness and support for voluntary land stewardship practices because of the direct consequences of natural resource management on private land.