Humboldt Soil and Water Conservation District

08/10/2026

07/28/2026

🌼🐝 NOTICE DATE CHANGE! Want to learn how to safely catch and identify Iowa’s bumble bees?
We’re thrilled to invite you to the 2026 Conserving Iowa’s Bumble Bees Through Community Science Training Workshop! This hands-on class is a fantastic opportunity to practice bumble bee identification, learn safe field collection techniques, and discover how your observations support statewide conservation efforts.
📅 Event Details
Date: Wednesday Sept 2, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (CT)
Location: Humboldt County Historical Museum
📍 905 1st Ave N, Dakota City, IA 50529
📝 To Register:
Email [email protected] to reserve your spot.
Space is limited.
🧰 What to Bring:
• Nets & vials (We will have extras available!)
• Camera or smartphone
• Sturdy walking shoes & long pants (great for exploring prairie vegetation at the museum)
• Sunscreen, water, and bug spray
🎥 Want to prep ahead?
Check out this super informative training video:
Bumble Bee Atlas Training: Ecology and Conservation of the Bumble Bees
https://youtu.be/gF9wEgLEjHY
(It’s about 90 minutes and packed with great info!)
We can’t wait to spend a fun, educational morning with you. 🌼
Questions? Reach out anytime—and don’t forget to email [email protected] to register!

07/21/2026

TC Loving is a commissioner for the Humboldt County Soil and Water Conservation District.

CDI Vice President TC Loving and Past President Jeri Thornsberry are currently representing Conservation Districts of Iowa at the National Association of Conservation Districts Summer Meeting in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

2026 NACD Summer Meeting attendees have been busy this week hopping from board to committee to region meetings. The NACD Board of Directors convened to hear updates from NACD leadership, financial reports, and new strategic plan implementations.
The District and Partner Relations, Legislative, and Natural Resources Committees gathered their representatives from across the country to provide updates and make plans for the upcoming months. All seven regions also met to information share, listen to speakers, hear updates from partners, and more.

06/30/2026

In celebration of , we want to highlight a conservation effort underway in Humboldt County. The Buzz & Bloom program invites residents and Oakdale Chapter Izaak Walton League members to create pollinator-friendly habitats in backyards, business sites or community spaces. Participants receive free native seed, educational resources and support to help establish pollinator plots, and agree to attend a site prep workshop and maintain their site for five years.

For more information, visit https://threeriverstrail.org/buzz-bloom/
Humboldt Soil and Water Conservation District

06/28/2026

Did you plant a native seed mix, and now all you have is a field of Black-Eyed Susans blooming and seemingly nothing else?

This is completely normal!

This stage is known as the “Pioneer Flush.” Species such as Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) and Partridge Pea (Chamaecrista fasciculata) are known as pioneer species because they are quick to establish and typically the first to bloom. It may seem like that is all you have growing, but over time, long-lived perennial natives will take up more space and slowly replace the pioneer flush with greater diversity and complexity. Remember, it can take 3-5 years after planting for most perennials to bloom for the first time.

Establishing a successful native planting from seed is a labor of love and patience. Most folks who have embarked upon the adventure will praise the process: the thrill of discovery and the absolute joy of transforming a space with little to no biological activity into a healthy ecosystem, thrumming with life. ♥️

06/22/2026

Secretary Naig visited Humboldt SWCD Assistant Commissioner Doug Adams farm today. Doug shared his many years of experience with cover crops and no till practices.

06/22/2026

This morning, I announced the launch of the Greater Des Moines Watershed Program — a new targeted effort to accelerate water quality practices upstream from the Des Moines metro.

Thanks to the Farm to Faucet water quality legislation passed this year, we are increasing cover crop cost-share to $25 per acre for both new and existing users in 22 counties, with up to 500 acres eligible per farmer or landowner.

Cover crops are one of the most effective tools we have to keep soil and nutrients in the field, improve soil health, and protect water quality.

Farmers continue to be part of the solution, and we’re going to keep working with them to scale up proven conservation practices across Iowa.

Farmers and landowners can learn more and sign up at a local USDA service center or visit CleanWaterIowa.org.

05/12/2026

HUMBOLDT COUNTY INCLUDED IN FIRST ROUND OF IOWA WATER QUALITY GRANTS

Humboldt County Soil and Water Conservation District's initiative among the recipients in the first round of state funding announced by Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig.

STORY: https://977thebolt.com/2026/05/humboldt-county-included-in-first-round-of-iowa-water-quality-grants/

05/07/2026

Now accepting applications for Fall 2026!
Whether you're interested in cover crops or other conservation practices, we’re here to help. Stop in anytime — we’ll walk you through the application process and answer any questions you may have.

04/20/2026

WE ARE STILL ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS-
PARTICIPANTS WILL RECEIVE SEEED, EDUCATION, AND ONGOING SUPPORT.

Buzz & Bloom Launches New Program to Grow Pollinator Habitat Across Humboldt County!
Would you like a pollinator plot filled with native wildflowers in your backyard or at your business? Native plant sites support pollinators like monarchs, hummingbirds, and other wildlife, while also filtering stormwater and building healthy soil.

Eligible applicants include Humboldt County residents and members of the Oakdale Chapter of the Izaak Walton League.
Requirements:
* Plot size: 100 - 2500 sq ft
* Personal residence, business or organization
* Attendance at Plot Preparation Workshop on May 21st 1:00
at ISU Extension Office, Humboldt, IA
* Maintain the site for a minimum of 5 years

Apply at www.threeriverstrail.org/buzz-bloom
or pick up an application at the USDA Service Center, 1301 6th Ave N., Humboldt.

Questions? Please contact: [email protected]