Jones SWCD hires summer conservation intern

     The Jones Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) commissioners have hired Tyler Dambman to serve as a summer conservation intern. Tyler will be working out of the USDA Service Center in Anamosa, helping to implement soil and water conservation practices throughout Jones County.

     His internship consists of 480 hours, part of which will be assisting other local SWCD employees as well as partner agency employees, including federal staff of the Natural Resources Conservation Service and state staff of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship – Division of Soil Conservation & Water Quality.

     Tyler recently finished his first year at Highland Community College and will be transferring to the University of Illinois in Champaign to pursue an Agricultural and Consumer Economics degree. He was raised on a row crop farm near Milledgeville, Ill., where his father sells farm machinery. “I have a background in agriculture, but I want to learn how to better the future of agriculture through conservation for future generations,” says Tyler.

     Tyler is looking forward to learning more about conservation programs offered through the Jones SWCD and partner agencies. He will be meeting with landowners to discuss potential conservation practices that will fit their needs. Tyler is also planning to have a display this summer at the Great Jones County Fair and the Wyoming Fair where he will showcase the benefits of cover crops and how they lead to greater soil health.

     To meet Tyler, or for more information about his booth at the fair, cover crops, or installing practices to aid in soil and water conservation, stop by our office in the USDA Service Center at 300 Chamber Drive in Anamosa, visit us at www.jonesswcd.org or give us a call at 319-462-3196, ext. 3.