Three different projects in Montgomery County, Ohio, involve acreage enrolled in CRP.

At the Miami Valley Career Technology Center (MVCTC) in Clayton, students and teachers entered into a productive partnership with staff from USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA), which administers the CRP, as well as with technical staff from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Montgomery County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD). The students assisted SWCD Technicians in design and construction to replace a poorly functioning tile system and develop wetlands for local and migratory wildlife.

Benefits of the CRP project included: improved cropland drainage, improved water quality in the existing pond, and diverse wildlife habitat. Current and future MVCTC students also received education and training.

A unique, horseshoe shaped waterway, designed after the original Ohio State Buckeyes Football Stadium, was installed on the Norris Sears Farm near Farmersville, Ohio, in August of 2004. The 1,540-foot long Grass Waterway includes two grade stabilization structures to reduce and prevent the formation or advance of gullies. The CRP project was completed with the assistance of FSA, NRCS, and the Montgomery County SWCD. Benefits included improved drainage of the crop land, improved water quality, and reduction of soil erosion.

With the joint cooperative team work of FSA, NRCS, and Montgomery County SWCD the Sycamore Farm was transferred into an educational and demonstration farm with contour farming and conservation practices. The extensive conservation practices include waterways, water and sediment control basin, block chute, pine tree planting, and a constructed wetland. These practices provided improved drainage of the crop land, improved water quality, a reduction of soil erosion, and diverse wildlife habitat.

Wetland and pond at Miami Valley Career Technology Center.

Unusual horseshoe waterway on the Norris Sears farm.

Contour farming and waterways on Sycamore Conservation Education and Demonstration Farm.