Dear conservation leaders, growers, and supporters:
Indiana’s statewide Urban Soil Health (USH) program, launched in 2021 with support from federal and state funding, will wind down its operations over the next 90 days and transition to a modified effort focused on support for District-led farmer education and training. The USH Program will be maintained via one Director who will continue to work with local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Purdue Extension, and conservation partners on education and technical assistance for small-scale farmers.
Regrettably, funding for our four Urban Soil Health Specialists will expire on September 30, 2025. Despite efforts to secure new support from private and public sources, we have not been able to maintain current staffing and operations beyond our current federal grant. This setback reflects external funding challenges, not the quality or impact of our work.
The Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (IASWCD), our fiscal sponsor, remains committed to sustaining the program in some form. As IASWCD Executive Director Liz Rice shares, “USH has helped reshape how Indiana’s conservation community supports small and diversified farms – serving as a catalyst for outreach and technical assistance.”
We are deeply grateful to the dedicated team, growers, and partners across Indiana who have been the driving force behind USH’s success over the past four and a half years. Since its launch, USH has established 27 local Soil Health Working Groups, delivered expert technical assistance, and hosted impactful workshops and field days. These efforts have strengthened local food systems and advanced soil stewardship. Thank you for being a part of this journey. We hope this impactful work can be revived and expanded in the future.
Sincerely,
Eliana (Elli) Blaine
Urban Soil Health Program Director
Elizabeth (Liz) Rice
IASWCD Executive Director
Dear Ellie,
This news on the tail end of a very successful Summit is really a bummer, right? I am so sorry the program you have shepherded with such great expertise and grace is ending. Your work is incredible; it was a delight to meet you at Camp Dellwood.
Fortunately, our SOILS group has a quarterly meeting scheduled already in August. We will be able to discuss future planning as well as host Megan – I hope – so that we all can have closure.
One question I do have is will the website with the Wednesday Urban Updates still be available? I have several weeks to review yet.
Good luck to you!!
Beth
SOILS Working Group
Orange-Crawford Counties
As sad has this is……I feel your efforts have been very appreciated and you and the program will return in a bit of time.
Thank you for all you have been doing and i for one and I’m sure Amd I know I am not alone….. we appreciate everything you all have done.
Patricia Weaver, Vigo County