April 26-May 3, 2026 is Iowa Soil and Water Conservation Week, coinciding with National Stewardship Week organized by the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD). This year’s theme is “Soil. Where it all begins.”
As the NACD puts it, the theme, “celebrates the incredible power of soil to support life in all its forms. Soil is not just the ground we walk on. It is the starting point for healthy food, clean water, thriving habitats, and resilient communities. From backyard gardens to forests and city parks, everything begins with what is beneath our feet.
“Soil does a lot more than grow plants. It holds water, cycles nutrients, and provides homes for billions of living organisms that keep nature in balance. It keeps roots in place, helps prevent flooding, and supports wildlife and people alike. The trees in our neighborhoods, the food on our tables, and the natural places we love all depend on healthy soils.
“Conservation districts across the country work every day to protect this vital resource. Through education, technical support, and local partnerships, they help landowners and communities keep soil health, productive, and resilient. Districts also provide free educational resources to schools, families, and community groups to inspire the next generation of soil stewards and help people of all ages connect with conservation in meaningful ways. Whether it is helping farmers manage erosion or supporting school gardens in town, conservation districts lead the way in caring for the land.
“When we take care of soil, we are taking care of everything it supports. That is why soil is where it all begins.”
The Madison County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD)’s mission is to conserve, protect, and enhance our natural resources for current and future generations by providing information and assistance to landowners, operators, and residents of Madison County, Iowa.
Fulfilling that mission (in light of this year’s theme) includes providing cost share to landowners and farmers for practices that improve soil health (like cover crops) and prevent soil erosion (such as terraces, basins, grassed waterways, and ponds). It also includes outreach activities, like participating in Ag5Kids Day for Madison County 5th Graders, classroom presentations, and events such as those planned this summer.
Though the Madison SWCD is not planning any specific events during Soil & Water Conservation Week this year, we have several events coming up this summer to mark on your calendars:
- Madison SWCD will have a booth at the Madison County Farmers Market on Saturday, June 20 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Iowa Learning Farms will also be bringing one of their conservation station trailers to the Farmers Market that day!
- Madison SWCD plans to set up an information and education booth in the Farm Bureau Building at the Madison County Fair from Wednesday, July 15 through Saturday, July 18.
- Madison SWCD will be back at the Farmers Market on Saturday, August 8 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to volunteer at the Kids Activity Table.
This Soil & Water Conservation Week, Madison SWCD is asking the community to contribute toward our efforts by making a tax-deductible donation. Any amount is appreciated! We rely on funds from donations to help support our summer internship, scholarships for graduating high school students, prizes for the K-12 poster contest, keeping up our website, and maintaining equipment used by staff to do their jobs in the field. This year, we have a greater need to raise funds in order to repair or replace the district’s storage shed, the cost of which exceeds the amount we normally raise through fundraising and cultipacker rentals.
To learn more about supporting Madison SWCD, visit www.madison-swcd.org/supporters/ or stop by the office at 815 E. Hwy 92 in Winterset.
