Minnesota Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts

08/20/2026

On December 1st and 2nd this year, MASWCD will celebrate its 90th Annual Convention — bringing together conservation district leaders, partners and advocates from across Minnesota to connect, learn and advance locally led conservation.

For nine decades, the state association has worked alongside landowners and communities to protect Minnesota's soil, water and natural resources. As we celebrate this milestone, we also look ahead to the next generation of conservation solutions and partnerships.

08/17/2026

MASWCD was proud to represent Minnesota at the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) 2026 Summer Conservation Forum in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Conservation leaders from across the country came together to share ideas, strengthen partnerships and explore innovative approaches to protecting natural resources. From discussions on river restoration, wildlife habitat and working lands, to tours showcasing conservation in action, the forum highlighted the power of locally led conservation and national collaboration.

"National partnerships help strengthen conservation efforts here at home," said Sheila Vanney, assistant director of MASWCD. "We're proud to share Minnesota's perspective, learn from others and help shape the future of locally led conservation."

08/12/2026

Summer is one of the busiest seasons for Minnesota's soil and water conservation districts.

Across the state, SWCD staff are working alongside private landowners to implement conservation practices that improve water quality, build healthier soils and protect our natural resources.

From site visits and project planning to planting, monitoring and technical assistance, locally led conservation is happening all summer long.

07/15/2026

A Q&A with Rich Duesterhaus, NACD’s Senior Advisor, who was seven years old when NACD was formed in 1946.

He was asked: What do you think we need to do today to prepare for tomorrow?

"We have something we should be proud of—that districts, their officials, and employees are in most cases trusted advisors. If we can take the trust that is built locally to the next two or three levels of scale, that’s where the action is going to be. We’re not going to be where the action is if we don’t start in that direction. It’s nice to only worry about your county, so comfort zones will be pushed, but we need leaders who have vision, finesse, and the ability to lead a crowd. You may live in one watershed for water, but you may live in a larger watershed for air, and you may live in an even larger watershed for wildlife, public transportation, or any number of services. There is an important role for local decision-making, but if we’re not connected up and also with our neighboring districts, we’re not going to be a part of the solution."

Read the entire article here: https://www.nacdnet.org/2026/07/06/qa-with-rich-duesterhaus/

By Candice Abinanti, NACD Director of Communications Rich Duesterhaus, NACD’s Senior Advisor, was seven years old when NACD was formed in 1946. Working on his family’s farms in Illinois and […]

06/26/2026

Fillmore SWCD District Manager, Riley Buley, was recently featured in Minnesota Farmer’s Union Foundation to share how conservation programs are helping farmers!

“In this state we’re blessed to have resources that people can go to for conservation.” – Riley Buley, Fillmore SWCD District Manager

Read the full article below!

Riley brings his background in water resources to his work as District Manager of Fillmore SWCD. His office manages the One Watershed One Plan for the Root River.

06/22/2026

MASWCD’s first-ever Advocacy Cohort Program is officially underway! Over the next two years, cohort members will sharpen their advocacy skills, build new connections and help tell the story of how SWCDs are making a difference in communities across the state. We’re excited to see how this group grows into a strong bench of advocates!

06/18/2026

Conservation and collaboration 🌱 This summer, SWCD supervisors and staff from across Minnesota are coming together at annual Area Meetings to share local perspectives, discuss conservation goals and strengthen partnerships that combine boots-on-the-ground expertise with statewide priorities.

06/17/2026

Mark your calendar and join us live on June 24th and learn ways to tailor your communication and presentations for youth and adult audiences.
Visit NCDEA's website to register!

05/19/2026

Are you interested in leading conservation efforts in your community? Consider becoming an elected SWCD Supervisor! The filing period for this year’s election is now open.

Check out our informational video to learn more about this important role:

Conserving Minnesota's natural resources isn't an option. It's a re...

05/19/2026

🏆 Big congratulations to our top three MN State Envirothon teams! 🏆

Yesterday, 23 teams and more than 125 students competed for one spot at the National Envirothon.

Taking home 1st place is Team Hopkins! 🥇 They are heading to the NCF-Envirothon this summer to compete with thousands of brilliant future conservationists from around the globe. Let’s wish them the best of luck!

Shoutout to our incredible runners-up:
🥈 Team Waubun (2nd Place)
🥉 Team Sartell (3rd Place)

A massive thank you to all the students and teachers who dedicated their time and passion to the area events and the MN Envirothon. The future of conservation is incredibly bright with leaders like you! 🌲🌍✨

The MN Envirothon would not happen without our generous partners and sponsors! Thank you to USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Minnesota Erosion Control Association (MECA), CFANS, Centra Sota, R.D. Offutt Farms and of course Sherburne Soil & Water Conservation District who worked tirelessly to make sure this event ran smoothly!