Desoto Soil & Water Conservation District

06/08/2026

Agri Education Center East Entrance Temporarily Closed 🚧

Due to ongoing road construction, the east entrance to the Agri Education Center is temporarily closed. Please use the WEST ENTRANCE until further notice.

Please view the map below to locate the correct entrance.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

05/26/2026

Congratulations to the winners of the Desoto SWCD Poster and Essay contest! This year’s theme, “ Soil – Where It All Begins,” encouraged students to explore the importance of soil conservation, agriculture, and the environment through art and writing. We are so proud of all of the students who participated in this year‘s contests. The creativity, talent, and thoughtful messages shared by our youth were truly inspiring. We would also like to extend a thank you to our schools, teachers and families who supported and encourage student participation. Your involvement helps promote conservation education for the next generation!

05/12/2026

Look at us!! From our Kid’s Corner with lots of activities for the kiddos, a visit from Sam E Soil, to providing TONS of resources for the residents of DeSoto ,
we had such a grand time at the DeSoto County Earth Day!!

DeSoto County celebrated its sixteenth Earth Day on April 18 at the event’s new home, the Agri-Education Center. Michael Lee, Agri-Ed Center director and former County Supervisor, said Earth Day

05/01/2026

Had a great time visiting Lake Cormorant High School to speak with an Environmental Science class about our carbon footprint and the impact humans have on Earth’s systems! 🌎

Students explored how population growth, increased consumption of natural resources, and the use of both biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials place pressure on our land, water, air, and ecosystems. Using the Enviroscape model, we connected the dots between point source and nonpoint source pollution and discovered how pollution doesn’t just “go away” — it cycles back to us through the food we eat, the water we drink, and the environment we depend on every day.

We also discussed the importance of conservation and the many exciting career opportunities connected to protecting our natural resources and Earth systems, including agriculture, engineering, wildlife biology, forestry, soil and water conservation, environmental science, and more.

The future looks brighter with environmentally minded students like these leading the way!

04/29/2026

Had a wonderful visit to Center Hill Elementary-Home of the Mustangs!
Students became watershed detectives during our hands-on Enviroscape lesson! We explored how watersheds connect all of us and learned the difference between point source and nonpoint source pollution. One of the biggest takeaways? WE are responsible for many nonpoint source pollutants, but we also have the power to make positive changes! 🌎

Students discussed ways to:
🌱 Prevent pollutants from entering our waterways
🌧️ Slow the flow of water on our property
🚜 Explore farming practices that improve soil health and reduce erosion
💦 Protect streams, rivers, and lakes for future generations

We also experimented with water pollution and tested different cleanup methods to see just how difficult it can be to remove pollutants once they enter our waterways.

These amazing students are now practicing “watershed mindfulness” and understand that we are all connected to, and responsible for, keeping our watershed healthy! 💙

Thank you, Mustangs, for inviting me to share in a day full of environmental learning, discovery, and hands-on fun!

04/25/2026

Big learning happening at Lake Cormorant Elementary! 🐣🌱🦋🐞

The DeSoto SWCD teamed up with the MS State Extension Office to bring lifecycle science to life for 2nd graders, and what a day it was!

Students rotated through hands-on stations exploring the lifecycles of chickens, insects, butterflies, and plants. From cracking the mystery of eggs to watching how tiny seeds grow into thriving plants, curiosity was in full bloom!

At the Discovery Station, creativity took over as students made their own lifecycle art, explored fun manipulatives, and even spent time coloring everyone’s favorite soil hero—Sam-E-Soil! 🎨

Learning + creativity + a little bit of messy fun = a perfect day in science! 🌎💚

04/20/2026

Update: All spots are filled. I do have a waitlist started. Contact me to get on the waitlist.

Calling all teachers!! Looking for a fun, hands-on way to bring science and conservation to life in your classroom? DeSoto SWCD is pleased to offer you a FREE summer workshop!! Best part..... at the end, you'll have earned 3 CEU's AND at no cost to you!! Contact info on the flier!! Come learn all about conservation in THE best classroom... nature! Join us this summer for an engaging workshop designed to inspire, equip, and energize YOU!!!

04/18/2026

Come meet Sam-E-Soil, make a craft and grab some wildflower seeds at Earth Day at the DeSoto County Agri-Education Center!! We’ll be here til 12:00!!

04/18/2026

Come on out to the Agri- Ed Center for Earth Day!! The weather has cleared!! Come see us at the Soil & Water booth. We are located to the right of the stall barn!! Come see us!