Howard Soil and Water Conservation District

05/22/2026

05/22/2026

We held our 10th annual Conservation Coloring Contest with the theme, “Soil. Where it all Begins.” Many colorful and creative entries were received this year. The winners were Cullen Curtin- Preschool, Ellie Kime- Kindergarten, Malia Schwade- 1st grade, Nora Barker- 2nd grade, Brayden Rubendall- 3rd grade, and Jarrett Larson- 4th grade. Winners received a swag bag filled with conservation goodies and art supplies. Their winning pictures will also be on display inside the Expo Building at the Mighty Howard County Fair in June!

05/19/2026

We are seeking new SWCD Commissioners!

Commissioners may come from all walks of life; all you need is an interest in protecting our natural resources. If you are qualified to vote in a general election, you are eligible to be a candidate for election to the board of the Howard Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD). You must reside in Howard County. Up to two commissioners may reside in any one township. All townships are open. Five commissioners are elected at general elections on a nonpartisan basis for staggered four-year terms.

As a commissioner, you’ll help decide the direction of soil and water conservation programs in the county and have the opportunity to influence state and national conservation programs. Your involvement will include activities such as addressing soil loss complaints, establishing acceptable soil loss limits, publishing an annual report, and assisting in the management of district funds and personnel.

Commissioners are reimbursed for eligible expenses and protected from personal liability. Commissioners are expected to take part in regular monthly meetings, become knowledgeable of the SWCD laws and programs, develop and carry out soil and water resource conservation plans, and help direct financial incentives programs.

The next general election is November 3, 2026. Nomination papers can be picked up from the County’s Auditor’s Office. Each candidate needs to file nomination petition containing not less than 25 signatures of eligible electors of the County. The nomination papers and affidavits of candidacy are to be filed with the Howard County Auditor, Cresco, Iowa. The last day to file is August 26, 2026, no later than 5:00 pm.

Questions regarding becoming a commissioner may be directed to the Howard SWCD at (563) 547-3040 ext. 3. Or for more information, visit https://cdiowa.org, and from the menu, select “Get Involved,” then “Become A Commissioner.”

05/14/2026

Every year, we award scholarships to students who pursue a college education in conservation or agriculture, and demonstrate leadership and scholastic achievement.

This year, two $500 High School Senior scholarships were awarded to Marina Burke, daughter of Randy & Jenny Burke, who is a graduate of Crestwood High School and plans to attend Upper Iowa University or ISU and major in either Conservation Management or Environmental Science. And Chance Christensen, son of Cory & Dorene Christensen, is a graduate of Riceville High School and plans to attend ISU and become a Farm Lender/Banker while also farming.

In addition, two $500 Alumni scholarships were awarded to Olivia Johnson, daughter of Allen & Tanya Johnson, majoring in Animal Science at ISU. And Kail Schmelzer, son of Pat & Shannon Schmelzer, majoring in Natural Resource Management at Hawkeye Community College.

Congratulations to these deserving students!

05/11/2026

We celebrated Soil and Water Conservation Week by distributing 71 potted Spruce trees for Arbor Day to third graders at the Howard-Winneshiek and Notre Dame schools. Students were given a history of Arbor Day, including the importance of trees for soil health and water quality, and instructions on how to plant and care for their trees.

We also hosted our 47th annual Natural Resources Day Outdoor Classroom at the Prairie’s Edge Nature Center near Cresco with 99 fifth graders from the Howard-Winneshiek and Notre Dame schools in attendance. Stations included Entomology presented by Angela Bries from Howard County Conservation, Backyard Conservation with Kathy Moen, NRCS District Conservationist, Bee Keeping with volunteer Jed Becker, Woodland Plants & Flowers with volunteer Connie Richter, and Soil Health presented by Alicia Sedlmayr, NRCS Soil Scientist and Brandon Shatek, NRCS Soil Conservationist. Thanks to our station leaders, Howard County Conservation for use of their Nature Center grounds, the bus drivers, fifth-grade teachers, and students for making the day an enjoyable success!

04/30/2026

Do you want to plant a cover crop this fall to improve soil health and reduce erosion? Cost share through the State Water Quality Initiative (WQI) is accepting applications now!

$30/acre New User

$20/acre Previous User

Up to 160 acres

03/24/2026

How Can a Windbreak Benefit You?

· A windbreak can serve as a natural snow fence, reduce wind erosion, conserve energy, reduce heating bills, and beautify a farmstead.

· Trees serve as a sound barrier and muffles road noise.

· Trees and shrubs provide food and shelter for wildlife and pollinators.

· Improved livestock weight gains can be expected when livestock are protected from winter winds and snow.

· Windbreaks can protect crops and plants from wind-related damage.

· They provide air quality improvement by reducing and intercepting air borne particulate matter, chemicals, and odor.

· Windbreaks help delineate property and field bounties.

Ag and non-ag land is eligible for windbreak cost-share. Howard SWCD’s local policy is that only Windbreak Establishments are eligible for cost-share, and must be located on the North or West side. Windbreak Renovations are not eligible for cost share in Howard Co. For more information, visit our office or call (563) 547-3040 ext. 3.