Windschitls honored as conservation cooperators

NEW ULM -- The Brown Soil and Water Conservation District has selected a former Leavenworth area farm couple, Edwin and Marilyn Windschitl, as the 2004 Brown SWCD conservation cooperators.

Edwin took over the Mulligan Township family farm of 160 acres from his father in 1960. It was a dairy operation until 1988. Other livestock included hogs and steers. From 1984 through 1997, Edwin rented additional land to enlarge his operation. The family farm is now a grain operation with a com and soybean rotation. In 2002, Marilyn and Edwin moved to Springfield but Edwin still helps his son-in-law operate the family farm.

In 1968 the Windschitls planted a farmstead windbreak, his first soil and water conservation measure, on the family farm site. In August 2000 they enrolled 22.2 acres of land into the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). An additional 8.7 acres was enrolled in November 2000. The CREP acres are enrolled into permanent easements, and are seeded to native grasses, legumes and forbs providing a food source and habitat for wildlife. The Windschitl's also have enrolled 7.3 acres into the Federal Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) which is seeded into cool season grasses.

Edwin and Marilyn are active in the Church of Japanese Martyrs and the Leavenworth community. They recently received the Community Service Award for dedication and service to the Church and the community. Besides coordinating and assisting with many parish activities, the Windschitls are always willing to assist farmers and neighbors who are struck with hardship and tragedy. They assisted the Cornfrey tornado victims by helping with the clean up and with preparing and delivering food. Edwin also served on the Mulligan Township Board for eighteen years.

The Windschitls have three daughters, Lori, Jackie, Kelli and a son, Dean and plus eight grandchildren. Marilyn is also employed at Tis a Gift and Victorian Gardens in Springfield and Edwin helps tile catering crew.

The Windschitls will be recognized, along with the other County Conservation Cooperators, at the Minnesota Association of Conservation Districts Annual Convention to be held in Duluth in early December.