Valley Soil & Water Conservation District

08/31/2026

The next VSWCD Board Meeting is coming up this Thursday, September 3rd from 9 AM-12 PM.

08/31/2026

Late-Summer W**d Control in Valley County

Late summer is the perfect time to get ahead of next year’s w**d problems. Many noxious w**ds are setting seed now, so action taken in August and September can stop them from spreading.

Best Practices:

Identify and target noxious w**ds common in Valley County such as spotted knapw**d, leafy spurge, and Canada thistle.

Remove plants before seeds mature: Hand-pull smaller patches or mow larger areas.

Use herbicides strategically: Follow label directions and target actively growing plants for the best results.

Dispose of w**ds properly: Bag seed heads and take them to an approved disposal site. Don’t leave them in compost or piles where seeds can spread.

Monitor disturbed areas like roadsides, driveways, and construction sites, which are prime locations for w**d infestations.

Taking action now helps protect our native landscapes, grazing land, and recreation areas. For more information and w**d ID resources visit https://www.co.valley.id.us/departments/NoxiousW**dControl

08/27/2026

Meeting tonight Thursday, August 27 from 4:30-6:30 PM at the American Legion Post 60 in Cascade, ID

ATTENTION BOISE COUNTY! We are hosting several opportunities to provide input on the SH-55 Banks Lowman Intersection Improvement Project! In-person, online, and pop-up meetings will be held to allow community members to review the new design and provide comments.

In Person Meetings:
• Thurs, Aug. 27, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. @ American Legion Post 60, Cascade, ID
• Tues, Sept. 1, 5 – 7 p.m. @ Garden Valley Highway School, Garden Valley, ID
Pop Up Meetings:
• Fri, Aug. 21, 6 – 8 p.m. @ Starlight Mountain Theater, Garden Valley, ID
• Sat, Aug. 29, 3 – 5 p.m. @ Bear Valley Rafting, Banks, ID
• Fri, Sept. 4, 5 – 9:30 p.m. @ Brundage Summer Concert Series, McCall, ID

An online meeting will be held from August 14 to September 14.
Visit the project website for more information and the online meeting link: https://itd.idaho.gov/project/55bankslowman/

08/26/2026

This week, we are featuring the noxious w**d rush skeletonw**d which is found here in Valley County.

It can be identified by its wiry branched stems, small yellow flowers, and its basal rosette leaves that resemble that of a dandelion.

Looking for more information about rush skeletonw**d or other noxious w**ds in Idaho?

Check out: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/b9a841959deb41e49dabe15df40889dd for more information.

**d **ds **ds

08/25/2026

Have you heard of the Century Farm and Ranch Program? Through the Idaho State Historical Society (ISHS) in partnership with Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA), farmers and ranchers who have had continuous ownership of their property within the same family for at least 100 years, can apply to have recognition from ISHS and ISDA. This includes a certificate, presentation, and sign designating their property as an Idaho Century Farm or Idaho Century Ranch.

Since the program began in 1990, over 500 farms and ranches have been designated in the state of Idaho- including several within Valley County.

Through the Century Farm and Ranch Program, Idaho families tell their stories of century long connections to farming, ranching, and the land.

For more information and to find the application, visit: https://history.idaho.gov/century-farm/

08/24/2026

The Valley Soil & Water Conservation District has implemented natural resource conservation programs and provided assistance to local landowners since 1957. The District provides technical, financial, and educational assistance to private landowners and our community partners to help conserve soil, water, air, plant, and animal resources.

Want to know more about Valley Soil & Water Conservation District?

Visit our website at: https://www.valleyswcd.org/ to learn more about our current projects and programs in agriculture, forestry, and water quality.

08/24/2026

https://www.epa.gov/septic/septic-system-care-and-maintenance

EPA’s SepticSmart initiative is a nation-wide public education effort with resources for homeowners with septic systems, local organizations and government leaders to learn how septic systems work and simple, everyday tips on how to properly maintain them.

08/21/2026

08/21/2026

🚨 By popular demand, Idaho Agriculture in the Classroom Classroom Grants are back and now LIVE!

Idaho Pre-K through 12th grade educators can apply for $500 classroom grants to bring agricultural literacy into their classrooms.

Visit our website to learn more about eligibility and apply before the October 9, 2026 deadline.

⭐ Bonus! Teachers who participated in this year's Idaho Agriculture in the Classroom Summer Workshop will receive additional points during the grant evaluation process.

Apply today! https://idaho.agclassroom.org/for-teachers/grants/

08/21/2026

https://www.nationalconservationfoundation.org/envirothon-now-a-national-ffa-organization-endorsed-activity/

North America’s largest environmental competition is now endorsed by the National FFA Organization.