“Around the Paddock” Workshop

-Submitted by Mark Seibert,
Catoctin & Frederick Soil Conservation District

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The Catoctin & Frederick Soil Conservation Districts expanded their outreach program by offering an evening conservation workshop for horse owners on June 5th from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. The workshop was one of a series of similar planned events, to be hosted by local horse farms that have worked with the District staff to install best management practices.

There are many horse operations in Frederick County that could benefit by contacting by District office, and having a planner and technician come out to the farm to discuss programs and assistance that is available. This workshop served to clarify much of that information and encouraged horse owners to get a soil and water conservation plan developed.        

Over fifty participants, coming from Frederick, Carroll, Howard & Montgomery counties as well as a few from Pennsylvania, enjoyed the inaugural event, hosted by Paradise Stables LLC, owned and operated by Bud and Elizabeth Winters, and located at 6250 Detrick Road, Mt. Airy. The program began with the farm owner’s tour of their farmstead, a state of the art horse facility, and highlighting the conservation practices they have applied: including a watering system, manure handling facility, heavy use areas, and roof runoff system. They offered their experience of working with the District, which was very informative for everyone attending.  The agenda also featured well-received “hands on” presentations on the topics of Hay Quality and Selection by Terry Poole, and Soil Testing and Nutrient Management for Beginners by Patty Burdette and Denny Remsburg.  Light refreshments and a drawing for door prizes rounded out the evening activities.

The evening workshop was a success and the SCD staff are now in the planning stages of a second such activity to be held later this summer. For updates, information, and to be notified of future events, please contact Jason Watt at Jason.watt@md.nacdnet.net or (301) 695-2803, x3 for more information.