Save the dates for a Community Discussion series centered around the book Tending Iowa’s Land: Pathways to a Sustainable Future edited by Cornelia F. Mutel.  Each discussion will feature a contributing author from the book and conclude with an optional hike.  These events are free and open to the public.  No registration required. 

The series is sponsored by Madison County Conservation, Madison County Foundation for Environmental Education, Madison County Soil and Water Conservation District, Winterset Library, Winterset Veterinary Clinic, Brick Road Books, and For Lands Sake!

Session 1:  LIFE featuring Dr. Jim Pease
Saturday, April 27, 2024
3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Pammel Park Lodge

Session 2:  SOIL featuring Dr. Kathy Woida
Sunday, June 2, 2024
3:00-5:00 p.m.
1157 Prairieview Ave. south of Van Meter

Session 3 and Session 4 dates and topics to be announced.

Questions may be directed to Jessie at jlowry@madisoncounty.iowa.gov

For more information, see the flyer, or read the “Down to Earth” Master Gardener article published in the Winterset Madisonian on March 19, 2024:  https://www.wintersetmadisonian.com/articles/local-environmental-collaboration-hosts-book-discussion-series/

The North and Middle Rivers Watershed Management Authority (NMRWMA) requests proposals from qualified contractors for watershed planning services to develop a Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan. 

The North and Middle Rivers Watershed Management Authority (NMRWMA) was initially formed in 2017, with 11 jurisdictions within the watersheds; counties, cities, and soil and water conservation districts. NMRWMA now has 17 participating jurisdictions; 42.5% of eligible jurisdictions within the watersheds.

The NMRWMA aims to participate in the management and enhancement of the Watersheds and is seeking to develop a comprehensive watershed management plan that addresses the goals of our mission statement: “Cooperatively seek resources to facilitate water quality improvement and flood damage reduction within the North River and Middle River Watersheds.”

Goals and objectives include:

• Assess water and environmental conditions within the entire North and Middle Rivers Watersheds.
• Perform a case study on the priority areas identified within the comprehensive plan that have the greatest impact on flooding and water quality within the North and Middle Rivers Watersheds.
• Increase participation from municipalities, landowners, organizations, agricultural producers, and the general public in the NMRWMA.

Proposals are due by Friday, March 8, 2024. For details, please see the Request for Qualification and Proposals:

For more information about the North & Middle Rivers WMA, please visit: North and Middle Rivers Watershed Management Authority

The Madison County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is offering a summer internship in 2024. The internship is open to current college students (including spring 2024 graduates) majoring in a field of study related to agriculture, conservation, and other relevant studies as listed in the announcement.

The intern will assist the SWCD with various activities including field visits, layout and checkout of conservation practices, education and outreach, and other general office duties, as well as completing a special project for the SWCD (such as a research project, developing educational materials, planning an outreach event, etc.). 

This internship is a great way to get exposure to SWCDs, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).  The special project provides an opportunity for the intern to focus part of their time on a topic they are interested in. 

To apply, students should submit a cover letter, resume, and list of three references to the Madison SWCD by Tuesday, February 20, 2024. 

Information about the summer internship and other opportunities for students is available on Madison SWCD’s website:  https://www.madison-swcd.org/for-students/

Madison County SWCD is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

2024 Internship Announcement