Hi, my name is Benjamin Lynch, and I am the intern at Madison County’s SWCD for the summer of 2024. I live in Norwalk, IA and my family’s farm is in Madison County just southwest of Cumming, IA.

I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 2023 with my Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science with an air quality minor and two certificates in GIS and sustainability. I am currently pursuing my Masters in Geography with an earth and environmental systems track. My thesis research is on particulate matter and ammonia concentrations from confined hog productions facilities.

I came to the University of Northern Iowa to be a high school science teacher but became disinterested in pursuing education as a career. I found environmental science as it was the closest degree to agriculture that UNI offered, and I loved it. This helped me find my passion for agricultural advocation in the environmental sciences and creating positive changes in local agriculture.

I am excited to take part in Madison County’s SWCD internship this summer and I look forward to working with local producers. 

Madison County SWCD is pleased to welcome Tonna Damewood as the new Project Coordinator for the North Thompson River Water Quality Project in Adair, Madison, and Union SWCDs.  Tonna started her new position on May 6, 2024, and shared this introduction:

“Hello everyone, my name is Tonna Damewood, and I am the North Thompson Watershed Coordinator. I grew up on a family farm Corning Iowa, showing cattle and being very active in 4-H and FFA. I attended Southwest Valley High School then later went to Southwestern Community College in Creston, Iowa for a year and a half.  I attended Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri where I recently graduated with my Bachelor of Science degree in Agronomy: Soil Science. I am very excited to work with Adair, Madison, and Union Counties.”

Tonna will be based at the Union County SWCD office in Creston, but will work in the watershed in all three counties. Click here to learn more about the North Thompson River Water Quality Project.

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.