Many things grow in Jennings County, Ind., thanks in part to the Jennings County Soil and Water Conservation District. But contrary to the old saying, no grass grows under anyone’s feet. No one stands still that long!

Brad Ponsler is a prime example. Involved with the SWCD since the mid-2000s, he serves as chairman today. He farms and works full time as a regional manager for Indiana Farm Bureau Inc., serving six counties in southeast Indiana. His efforts earned him the Supervisor of the Year award for the Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. Indiana Prairie Farmer sponsors the award.

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“We’ve accomplished some things as a district, but we have many more things we want to accomplish,” Ponsler says. “Whatever success I’ve had, I owe to others. If you surround yourself with successful people, good things will happen. That’s what I do, and we keep building, one project at a time.”

District accomplishments

Perhaps the most important thing the district accomplished collectively is helping the community, including elected officials, realize how the SWCD can improve life around North Vernon and throughout the county.

“We’ve developed a working relationship with our county government leaders, and that’s key,” Ponsler says. “At the same time, we’ve promoted district activities and tried to make them accessible to as many people as possible.”

When it comes to boots-on-the-ground activities, Ponsler says the pollinator project has helped the local environment perhaps more than any other. Over the past few years, the district encouraged farmers and others to develop fields and patches of pollinator species wherever they fit. The effort earned the SWCD countless awards, but more importantly, it put the district on the map with community members and leaders.

Even before the pollinator effort grew legs, the Jennings County SWCD actively promoted no-till. The district owns and leases a no-till drill for people who need access to no-till equipment. It also maintains a conventional drill and equipment to shred and spread straw over newly seeded waterways and other conservation projects.

This year, the district is embarking on a watershed project through the EPA’s Section 319 Grant Program. The target is the Vernon Fork of the Muscatatuck River.

“We’ve carried out a successful watershed project before, but it’s been a few years,” Ponsler says. “There was a need for an emphasis on conservation in this watershed, and we’re excited and ready to kick it off.”

Personal side

Ponsler credits his parents, Nelson and Jean Ponsler, with setting him on the right path as a young man. “My sister, Holly, and I shared a lot of memories and life lessons growing up on the family farm,” Ponsler says, adding, “I have always appreciated her support.”

Today, he says he couldn’t accomplish what he does without his wife, Emily, and daughters, Lydia and Natalie. “They keep things in line at home when I am away for Farm Bureau or SWCD activities or farming,” he says.

When it comes to the SWCD, he thanks fellow current and past supervisors, staff, elected officials and community partners for the opportunity to work with them over the years on behalf of the district.

“I’ve been asked if it’s worth spending the time working with the SWCD,” Ponsler says. “Yes, absolutely. It’s my opportunity to give back and do what I can to help our county and our community.”