Month: April 2024

April 28 – May 5, 2024 is recognized as Iowa Soil and Water Conservation Week, which coincides with national Stewardship Week organized by the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD). 

Madison County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), led by five elected commissioners, is a member of NACD, which oversees the annual Stewardship Week program, one of the largest national annual programs that promotes conservation.  This year’s theme for Stewardship Week is “May the Forest Be with You, Always.” 

“Soil and water conservation are intimately intertwined with forest health,” said NACD President Kim LaFleur.  “This year’s Stewardship Week recognizes the importance forests serve in the protection of soil and water resources, preventing erosion, purifying contaminants, and nurturing healthy watersheds.”

Madison County SWCD was formed in 1942 in an effort to assist the people of Madison County with implementing conservation programs and promoting efforts that protect and improve natural resources.  Over the past 82 years, Madison County SWCD has been involved with helping landowners and farmers establish soil and water conservation practices including grassed waterways, terraces, water and sediment control basins, grade stabilization structures such as ponds, and wetlands.  The SWCD also provides assistance with forestry-related conservation practices such as forest stand improvement, tree and shrub establishment, and windbreaks. 

This year, Madison County SWCD will be celebrating Soil and Water Conservation Week by promoting it in our community, participating in Ag4Kids Day for Madison County 5^th Graders, and posting more information on our social media accounts (@MadisonSWCDIowa on Facebook and X). 

However, every week is Soil and Water Conservation Week for Madison County SWCD, and we would like to take the opportunity to highlight additional opportunities and events coming up in the next few months:

• Madison County SWCD is hiring a District Soil and Water Resource Technician.  The deadline to apply is Wednesday, May 15, 2024.  Details are available at www. Madison-SWCD.org
• We are organizing a Conservation Photography Contest.  Winners will be announced at the Madison County Fair.  Full details will be released soon!
• This year’s Conservation Award recipient will be honored at the Madison County Fair on Wednesday, July 17.
• Madison County SWCD will have a booth in the Farm Bureau building during the Madison County Fair (July 17-20).  The winning photos will also be on display.  Come see us!

This Soil and Water Conservation Week, take a moment to reflect on the progress that has been made and recognize what can be done to further conserve, protect and enhance our resources for current and future generations.

Madison County Soil and Water Conservation District has a job opening for a District Soil and Water Resource Technician.  This position will work together with Madison SWCD’s partners at the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to provide technical assistance to landowners and farm operators in Madison County by assisting with the planning, design, and implementation of conservation practices, and other activities that advance Madison SWCD’s mission and goals. 

This position provides an excellent opportunity gain experience in the field of natural resources and conservation, and to make a positive difference.  Previous technicians have enjoyed getting to work outside doing field visits, surveying for conservation practices such as grassed waterways, terraces, and ponds, and meeting with landowners. 

This position is funded primarily by a Technical Assistance grant through the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD), with matching funds provided by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and Madison SWCD.

To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, and list of three references to Madison SWCD by Wednesday, May 15, 2024. 

See the position announcement for details.

Madison County Soil and Water Conservation District has a job opening for a District Soil and Water Resource Technician.  This position will work together with Madison SWCD’s partners at the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to provide technicial assistance to landowners and farm operators in Madison County by assisting with the planning, design, and implementation of conservation practices, and other activities that advance Madison SWCD’s mission and goals. 

This position is funded primarily by a Technical Assistance grant through the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD), with matching funds provided by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and Madison SWCD.

To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, and list of three references to Madison SWCD by Monday, April 15, 2024. 

See the position announcement for details.