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High school seniors graduating this spring who plan to pursue studies in conservation or agriculture are encouraged to apply for the Conservation Scholarships offered by Conservation Districts of Iowa (CDI) in partnership with local Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD). 

Scholarship rules and application forms are available on CDI’s website: https://cdiowa.org/get-involved/scholarships/

Applications must be submitted to the local SWCD office in the county where the student resides.  The deadline to apply is February 7, 2025.

SWCD commissioners will select an application to forward to the CDI Region, and then the CDI Regional Director will choose an application to forward to the state level for consideration.

In addition to the state and regional scholarships awarded by CDI, Madison County SWCD is offering its own local scholarship in the amount of $250 to the top applicant. 

The top three applicants in the state will be awarded scholarships in the amounts of $3,000, $2,000, and $1,000.  Winners from the remaining six regions will receive $500.  The scholarship will be paid directly to the applicant’s school of choice, to be used for the student’s first year of college education.

Students residing in Madison County should submit their application materials to the Madison County SWCD located at 815 E. Hwy 92, Winterset, Iowa 50273 by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, February 7. 

Since 1942, the Madison County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and conservation partners have been working together with farmers and landowners to conserve, protect, and enhance our resources for current and future generations.

As you look around Madison County, many of the conservation practices you see – grassed waterways, terraces, water and sediment control basins, grade stabilization structure and ponds, prairie plantings, tree plantings, forest stand improvement, windbreaks, wetlands, cover crops, and more! – were established with assistance from the SWCD and its conservation partners with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. 

However, in addition to implementing conservation practices to conserve our valuable soil, improve water quality, and enhance wildlife habitat, we are also involved in education and outreach activities such as Ag4Kids Day for Madison County 5^th Graders, a booth at the Madison County Fair, field days, workshops, and informational meetings.

We receive a limited amount of funding from the state each year which only covers our basic expenses. We are asking for your support to help us continue doing good things above and beyond the “basics” in Madison County, such as funding for…

• Student opportunities (summer internship, scholarship for graduating seniors)
• Information and education activities and materials
• Other endeavors that further soil and water conservation in Madison County

Please consider supporting our conservation efforts in Madison County! 

Contributions can be mailed to Madison SWCD at 815 E. Hwy 92, Winterset, IA 50273 or dropped off at the USDA Service Center during our regular business hours (Mon.-Fri. 8:00-4:30).  Contributions are tax-exempt, and you will receive a confirmation letter for your records. 

Whether you make a donation on Giving Tuesday, or as part of your Year-End Giving, all contributions, large or small, will make a difference and be greatly appreciated! To learn more about supporting Madison SWCD and see 2023 contributors, visit:  https://www.madison-swcd.org/supporters/

ISG and the Iowa Soybean Association, along with all of the members of the North & Middle Rivers Watershed Management Authority (WMA), invite you to attend a watershed planning kick-off meeting!  The two meetings will be open house style, with light appetizers served. 

• Wednesday, November 13 at Middleswart Lodge (15875 118th Avenue, Indianola) in Warren County from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

• Thursday, November 14 at the Jackson Building at the Madison County Fairgrounds (1146 West Summit Street, Winterset) from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Come meet local conservation professionals, share valuable insight on natural resources in the watersheds, and learn about the planning process. We are looking forward to hearing from YOU!  Your feedback will be used to help develop the Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan for North the Middle Rivers WMA.

To learn more about the North & Middle Rivers WMA, visit: https://www.madison-swcd.org/nmrwma/

For more information about the meetings:

November 13 in Warren County:

• Facebook Event:  https://www.facebook.com/events/1601941404093711
• Info from Iowa Soybean Association:  Upcoming Meetings About the North/Central River Watershed

November 14 in Madison County:

• Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/999946641844485
• Info from Iowa Soybean Association: Meeting About the North/Central River Watershed in Winterset