Cara Marker-Morgan

What are you doing to practice and promote soil and water quality?

Professionally I have been the watershed coordinator for the East and West Nishnabotna River Watersheds since 2017. I have had the opportunity to work with local producers to implement watershed practices that focus on water quality and flood resiliency. I am currently involved in a new RCPP program as well as assisting in leading a pilot program ALUS-US focusing on land use systems. Personally my family just purchased a small acreage where we would like to implement regenerative ag systems for the long-term health of the land. My son dreams of becoming a farmer, my daughter hopes to raise and train horses, and my other daughter wants to go to space. My dream is to leave this earth a healthier, more sustainable place for them.

What is being done in your county to support soil and water quality?

We have landowners and producers who have implemented practices such as ponds, prairie strips, WASCAB’s and even a bioreactor. I am working with the community of Hamburg to implement a wetland and prairie that will not only help to protect the water quality of their wellheads but provide a place for recreation and tourism to the region.

What could be done with more public funding for soil and water quality?

There is always more interest in practices than there is funding. Bringing multiple resources and programs together to help assist landowners and producers is always best for the people, the region and the land.