The Madison County Soil and Water Conservation District is pleased to welcome Emma Shields as the 2026 IDALS Conservation Technician Intern! The summer intern position is employed by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS), but Madison SWCD is providing 20% local cash match for the position.

Emma began her position on May 26 and shared this introduction:

“Hi! My name is Emma Shields and I am the 2026 Madison County – IDALS Conservation Technician Summer Intern! I am from Lamoni, Iowa but currently living in Indianola for school. I just finished up my junior year at Simpson College where I am studying Marketing Communication. I have always found interest and passion in agriculture. I have been involved in groups such as the Lamoni High School FFA chapter, an AG Business club, and the Iowa Corn CAT Team, which have all taught me so much. I am excited to spend my summer in Madison County learning even more! I am excited and blessed to have this internship opportunity and I am looking forward to all this summer has to offer!”

To learn more about the IDALS Summer Internships, visit:
https://iowaagriculture.gov/dscwq/summer-internships

The Madison County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) commissioners would like to congratulate Marissa Ford as the 2026 Conservation Scholarship recipient! The commissioners presented a certificate and check to Ms. Ford at their monthly meeting on May 13. Ms. Ford plans to continue her education at Southwestern Community College in Creston this fall. Her application was forwarded to CDI Region 6 to be considered for a statewide scholarship.

Madison SWCD received two strong applications this year, and the commissioners also awarded a smaller scholarship to the second-place candidate, Cael Hirsch. Madison SWCD has been accepting scholarship applications on behalf of Conservation Districts of Iowa (CDI) for many years, but has only been offering its own local scholarship award since 2023.  The scholarships are open to graduating high school seniors pursuing programs of study in conservation or agriculture. 

For more information about the scholarship and other opportunities for students, visit
www.madison-swcd.org/for-students/

Madison SWCD, as a co-sponsor of Badger Creek Watershed, is responsible for the operation and maintenance of PL-566 structures (dams, grassed waterways, etc.). The district has assembled a package of four sites that require tree and brush removal.

Work involves:

• Herbicide spraying 10 days to 2 weeks prior to mowing or cutting
• Mowing and tree cutting as close to the ground as possible
• Treating stumps that are 2 inches or greater in diameter with herbicide
• Removing felled trees and piling below dams and out of flow areas
• Contractors shall maintain all applicable licenses and insurance
• Work must be completed by July 31, 2026

Please see the Notice to Bidders and Cover Sheet below for additional details. Contractors interested in the project should plan on attending the site viewing scheduled for Friday, May 8, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. Meet on the road near 1318 Upland Lane, Van Meter. Bids are due by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026, and can be mailed or dropped off to the Madison County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) office located at 815 IA-92, Winterset, IA 50273, or emailed to Anna.Golightly@ia.nacdnet.net.

Bid packets should include the signed bidder cover sheet and the bid attached in the form of a quote. To learn more about Badger Creek Watershed, click here.

Notice to Bidders
Bidder Cover Sheet