Soil Conservation Technician, Connie Sturgill met with Grow Appalachia participants to share the many opportunities available for individuals and organizations offered by USDA NRCS. Grow Appalachia received a mini grant last year to help fund our water barrel project which allowed participants to paint and walk away with a WORK of ART. This grant may be applied for annually. The exciting news she shared is that “high tunnels” are on more than GA’s radar and NRCS are also committed to making these a reality in Letcher County. My understanding is that property owners who have a farm # are eligible for a grant to be reimbursed for the price of a high tunnel. The rate is $2.37 per square foot up to 100 square feet. For Letcher County the deadline is February 22nd and another would be available again in April. She stressed the importance of and the process for property owners to obtain a farm number to be eligible for this and other benefits as well. Other available opportunities were for farmers who had cattle and streams and funding available to help with stream crossing. The primary purpose of this message is to share that GA is definitely not alone and many organizations and resources are out there who share our goals. Others may already be talking with and have a healthy relationship with your Conservation Office, however if you don’t I suggest that you find yours and have coffee and donuts. Also, please note my information is to the best of my understanding and may not be universal.