Natural Resources Conservation
The Richland Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) promotes natural resources conservation through landowner education, demonstration projects, and technical and financial assistance. The SWCD also advocates for conservation in Richland County by advising County Council on issues related to open space and working lands preservation, local food system development, water quality, green infrastructure, and conservation-focused development. Use the links below to learn more:
The Richland SWCD has an 8' Truax no-till drill and an 8' I&J roller crimper available for farmers to rent for use in Richland County to promote and protect soil health. Click here for more details!
Conservation Tips include videos, graphics, and other educational materials promoting conservation practices for Richland County residents. Tips cover a variety of conservation topics.
As a founding member of the Midlands Local Food Collaborative, the Richland SWCD promotes a vibrant and sustainable local food system in the midlands region of SC. Click here to read about the history of this initiative.
The Mill Creek Mitigation Bank in Lower Richland is one of SC's largest mitigation banks. The land is protected under a permanent conservation easement held by the Richland SWCD. Click here to learn more.
Each month, Richland Soil and Water Conservation District Education Program Assistant Mary Hannah Lindsay chooses a local species to highlight as "Plant of the Month." Click here to view the archive and explore Richland County's fascinating floral resources.
While public access to the Richland County Administration Building is restricted, the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is making a selection of spring vegetable, herb, and wildflower seeds available to the public via US Mail at no cost. The initiative is a part of the SWCD’s new Seed Sanctuary program, which was originally schedule to launch “in person” at the Administration Building in spring 2020.
Twenty-five Mile Creek is a tributary of the Wateree River, and its watershed includes lands in northeastern Richland, western Kershaw, and southern Fairfield Counties. In 2014-2018, Richland SWCD led a partnership program to improve water quality by installing best management practices (BMPs) on farmland in the watershed. Click here to read more.
In partnership with a number of local, state, and federal programs, Richland SWCD offers a variety of technical workshops for agricultural producers and natural resource professionals. Click here for a list of upcoming (and past) workshops.