Stevens Soil and Water Conservation District

03/16/2026

WE ARE HIRING A WATERSHED COORDINATOR!

Visit us at www.stevensswcd.org or email Matt at the address below for more info!

01/14/2026

Stevens SWCD names Krosch Farms as 2025 Outstanding Conservationists

In early December 2025, Alberta residents Cody and Molly Krosch and their four children Nikki, Cara, Skye, and Kyle, attended the Minnesota Soil and Water Conservation District (MASWCD) Annual Conference in Bloomington along with board members and staff from Stevens Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD). The Krosches were honored as Stevens County’s 2025 Outstanding Conservationists during a state-wide awards banquet at the conference.

Cody is a fourth generation farmer producing corn, soybeans, wheat and edible beans on both his dad’s farm south of Alberta, and on rented land. In partnership with the Stevens SWCD and Stevens County NRCS, Krosch has implemented several conservation practices on his land, such as water and sediment control basins and no-till/strip tillage. Most recently, he has taken advantage of the financial incentives and other advantages of cover crops. Cody finds the extra effort required when starting with cover crops worth it because he sees better drainage, less w**d pressure, improved soil health, decreased production costs, and additional wildlife habitat. Congratulations, Krosch Farms, on your conservation efforts!

12/08/2025

Open the Pomme de Terre River Association’s December Soil Health newsletter to read the latest soil health news, learn about funding opportunities, and see what events are coming up in and around the watershed!December 2025 PDTRA SH Newsletter

11/21/2025

If you missed our presentation at the Stevens County Historical Society, here are some highlights! More information about the dam background, name, and current project is available at our website: https://www.pdtriver.org/dam-modification-projects/crissy-lake-dam-modification/

11/20/2025

Today is Give to the Max day! Please consider a donation to the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (MASWCD), the organization that oversees the Minnesota State Envirothon, a program that teaches students about conservation issues and careers in natural resource management.

Find out more about the program and donate here: https://www.givemn.org/organization/Maswcd

11/19/2025

The Pomme de Terre River Association is currently in the process of completing a mid point review and minor amendment of the watershed comprehensive management plan.

There is a 30-day public review period open. More information can be found on the Pomme de Terre website.

In August 2020, the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) approved the Pomme de Terre River Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan (PdT CWMP or Plan). The PdT CWMP identifies the key resources in the watershed (water quality, habitat, drinking water, etc.), as well as the necessary act...

11/14/2025

Watch for more information on the Keep It Clean Program. Stevens SWCD is a partner in the Chippewa River Watershed Association. We are working with our watershed partners focusing on the priorities in the Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan. One of those priorities is focusing on water quality improvements in our our lakes and streams. For more information on the plan visit: https://chippewariverwatershed.org/plans/

The Chippewa River Watershed Association partnership includes the following SWCDs and counties: Otter Tail, Grant, Stevens, Douglas, Swift, Pope, Chippewa, and Kandiyohi counties, West Otter Tail Soil and Water Conservation District, Grant Soil & Water Conservation District, Stevens Soil and Water Conservation District, Douglas SWCD, Swift County Soil & Water Conservation District, Chippewa SWCD, and Kandiyohi Soil and Water Conservation District.

11/01/2025

As we begin a new month, we invite you to join us for an engaging program on Thursday, November 20th at 6:00 p.m. Sophia Muruska will offer a historical perspective on the development of this significant waterway, enriching our understanding of its evolution.

09/08/2025

TOMORROW 9-9-25! ✅

Pesticide container collection will be occurring on Tuesday, September 9. Please see the photo below for more details. 

08/26/2025

Final household hazardous waste collection of the year is scheduled for Wednesday, September 10.

07/17/2025

An excellent opportunity to learn about soil health!

BIG NEWS!
Our FREE, FAMILY-FRIENDLY soil health event is coming in 4 weeks!
Enjoy a meal on us and register for a chance to win a door prize!
Learn more: swiftswcd.org/healthy-roots--clean-boots.html

07/11/2025

Today, July 11, 2025, is officially Judy Johnston's last day of work here at Stevens SWCD. She is retiring after almost 30 years! Judy has worked with many different staff and supervisors over the years and has seen many changes in conservation and conservation education during those 30 years. She has done a little of everything at Stevens SWCD, pitching in to get the job done, whatever that job might be.

Over the years, Judy has amassed a long list of accomplishments and contributions, and she has put in a ton of hard work towards conservation in Minnesota. She’s worked with countless other SWCDs and partner agencies to provide educational opportunities for youth and adults throughout the area and state.

One of her biggest undertakings has been the coordination of both the Area 2 and State Envirothons, which she has done for many years. She has also served as the Education Committee Chair for the West Central MASWCD Area 2. She is well-known in area elementary and high schools, where she visits classrooms and organizes various in-school presentations. Judy also co-coordinates the Stevens & Pope Conservation Day and Pope & Stevens Water Fest, two hands-on outdoor learning opportunities for area students.

Judy has organized several other educational opportunities for youth and adults, and has been a great conservation educator over the years. She also put together information for the SWCD web site and social media, and has organized events such as water testing clinics, conservation tours of Stevens County, fair and expo booths, and more.

Congratulations, Judy! You will be missed! Enjoy your retirement!