An innovative Olmsted SWCD conservation program is expanding across southeast Minnesota, helping farmers improve soil health and reduce groundwater pollution.

The Ogle County Soil and Water Conservation District is investing in the next generation of conservationists through scholarships, outdoor education and career exploration opportunities that connect young...

The Ogle County Soil and Water Conservation District is investing in the next generation of conservationists through scholarships, outdoor education and career exploration opportunities that connect young...

WALKER — The Cass Soil and Water Conservation District has named John Eaton as its 2026 Community Conservationist of the Year. The award, presented to Eaton at Portage Brewing in Walker on Oct. 6, is in recognition of his outstanding leadership, collaboration and commitment to protecting the lakes and natural resources of Cass County, Cass SWCD said in a release. "John’s contributions to Cass SWCD span the full range of conservation work, from developing programs and educational materials to securing funding and helping put projects into action," Cass SWCD said. "His efforts have strengthened partnerships among local residents, conservation organizations, government agencies and tribal communities." Eaton played a leading role in developing and implementing projects that protect water quality and natural resources. Working with his homeowners association neighbors, he helped advance a native shoreline restoration project that included an SWCD site assessment, a restoration plan and 22,000 square feet of shoreline restoration supported by Cass SWCD Clean Water Legacy funding, which worked to preserve the water quality within Leech Lake. Eaton also works with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Northern Waters Land Trust on conservation easement and land acquisition projects. His involvement extends to water quality monitoring with...

Submitted by Protocol27.

The Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Opener is this weekend in Rice County near Northfield. Initiated in 2011 by then Governor Mark Dayton, the Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener brings attention to the kickoff of the pheasant hunting season, highlighting the sport’s significance in Minnesota. This year’s event also celebrates the 75th anniversary of Minnesota’s Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), which provide public opportunities for hunting, wildlife watching, and outdoor recreation across the state. Locally, attention will be given to the dedication of the new Circle Lake Wildlife Management Area. The area protects 263 acres of land, including an island in Circle Lake, which gives hunters another opportunity to hunt several types of game, including deer and pheasants. The addition of Circle Lake WMA helps continue Minnesota’s long tradition of protecting public lands and wildlife habitat for future generations. While public lands provide important opportunities for hunting and recreation, programs are also available to help private landowners permanently protect their land, create wildlife habitat, and improve local water quality. The Reinvest in Minnesota program, known commonly as RIM, has been around since 1991 and has been used by private landowners to restore and protect conservation lands across the state. Over 250,000 acres have been...

The Crow Wing Soil & Water Conservation District is teaming up with Crow Wing County to host a bus tour showcasing recently completed conservation projects. Community members, local government represe...

"Your Voice That Bridges The Area Communities Together."

Medina County celebrated its 181st County Fair from Aug. 3 through Aug. 9. Fair week is one of our office’s favorite times of the year because we get to interact and connect with community members from all backgrounds. Much of our discussion is focused on our involvement in assisting landowners to choose the best practices for preserving the natural resources on their property. For America 250, our booth was decorated similar to many of the rest of the displays: red, white and blue. We highlighted the past 250 years of land use history in America, starting with western expansion into the frontier all the way to where our land practices have brought us to today. A timeline showing the history of Medina Soil and Water Conservation District, depicting the inception of the Soil Conservation Service and the events that brought the desire to preserve our natural resources into view. We recognized last year’s conservation award winners throughout the county as well as advertised what our office has in store moving ahead. Hay show On top of our fair booth, the soil and water office also assists with judging at the Hay Show. These past two years have been outstanding for...

Staff described multiple grant pursuits (Taylor Family Farms Foundation, EMS coordination with Napili Health, county SWCD cooperation) and said the board may approve a change order for an existing drought well project so the work can proceed without rebidding.

The Harney County Court voted to authorize the county judge to sign a Good Neighbor Authority agreement with the Harney SWCD that officials said could route millions of dollars to local wildfire recovery work more quickly than direct federal execution.

“Soil erosion from crop fields is often a symptom of a soil health problem. When management practices such as no-till and cover crops are adopted on a

Register Now for Knox-Lincoln Soil, and Water Conservation District's Conservation Bus Tour, traveling through Lincoln County on October 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., visiting Pumpkin Vine Family Farm, Sheepscot General & Farm, and Sheepscot Valley Farm. "From coastal communities to working farms, Lincoln County offers a wonderful glimpse into the agricultural and natural resources that make Maine special," said SWCD, in a news release. This year’s tour will highlight three local producers who are putting conservation into practice—protecting soil and water resources, supporting wildlife habitat, and building sustainable agricultural operations. In addition to hearing from the Ag producers and KLSWCD staff, participants will hear from Amanda Burton, District Conservationist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), about the conservation practices implemented on the farms. "Join us aboard our luxury, air-conditioned motor coach for a day of learning, conversation, and exploration," said the news release. The narrated tour includes transportation, snacks, and a catered lunch. Knox-Lincoln SWCD provides the following descriptions: Pumpkin Vine Family Farm — Somerville At Pumpkin Vine Family Farm, goats are at the heart of a working farmstead creamery. The herd spends the growing season on pasture, and the farm carefully breeds Alpine and Nubian goats...