IASWCD Announces Northeast Regional Specialist

The Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (IASWCD) announces Jamie Perry as an Indiana Regional Urban Soil Health Specialist with the Urban Soil Health Program. This program promotes conservation agriculture on urban and small-scale farms.

Perry’s territory includes the Northeast Area of Indiana (following the NRCS’ designation of regional areas), and he will be based in the Fort Wayne NRCS Area Office.

Perry is a local grower located in Fort Wayne. His background includes managing a greenhouse, mentoring Burmese refugee farmers, and teaching agriculture courses at Ivy Tech Community College. His passion for soil is evident by his current attendance in Oregon State University’s Soil Science program. “We are very fortunate to have Jamie join our Urban Soil Health team,” states Elli Blaine, Urban Soil Health Program Director. “Jamie is passionate about urban farming and growing food in ways that also protect and improve our soils. His experience on his own urban farm, along with his background in soil science and his work as an educator, make him an invaluable asset to our program. Jamie’s strong relationships with growers in the Fort Wayne area are a great springboard for expansion in working to serve the needs of urban and small-scale farmers, as well as conservation partners, across Northeast Indiana.”