News & Events

Summer intern positions available in 3 SWCD offices in Iowa assisting with abandoned mine land reclamation.  Locations include: Knoxville (Marion County) Ottumwa (Wapello County) Oskaloosa (Mahaska County). Open to any students currently enrolled in college or recent graduate majoring in a field of study related to agriculture, conservation, engineering, construction trades, GIS, communications, public relations, urban planning, or environmental sciences. Deadline …

 The 2017 Conservation Poster Contest is offered through the Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company in partnership with the Conservation Districts of Iowa (CDI), the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) and local Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD). Any child that resides in Iowa, is a public, private or home school student in Kindergarten through 12th grade with a participating SWCD can participate! The …

On February 15, the Cedar Creek Partnership Watershed will host a workshop on Profitable Farming and Soil Health. What: Workshop on Profitable Farming and Soil Health Where: The Great Prairie Area Education Agency in Ottumwa When: Wednesday, February 15th, 10:00am to 2:00pm. Lunch: Catering from Bubba Q’s, sponsored by the Crop Production Service! RSVP: Requested but not required. Please contact …

The 5th annual Southern Iowa Grazing Conference is coming up soon! Take advantage of this educational opportunity to learn about soil health and sustainable grazing for small-farms. Join us Friday and Saturday, February 17-18, at the Mutchler Community Center in Bloomfield, IA. Meet farmers, gardeners, and colleagues from across the Midwest to network, learn, and enjoy delicious farm-grown food. Sessions …

This Thursday, February 2nd there is a Soil Health and Crop Cover Field Day at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Hughton, Iowa. Speakers include: Dave Otte, of Green Valley Seed talking about the benefits of cover crops Rebecca Vittetoe of the Iowa State University Extension speaking about the termination of cover crops Jason Steele of NRCS as he teaches …

We’re finishing up 2016 in high spirits and looking forward to what 2017 will bring! We’ve worked on natural resource conservation, business development, housing, tourism, community development, solar energy, grant writing and management, and so much more! Take a look at the great work that our staff and board have been focusing on this year in our – Pathfinders RC&D …

Rural Iowa is facing a housing crisis – there is a shortage of adequate and affordable housing across nearly all demographics and income levels.  In Jefferson County, approximately 7,145 people, 42.5% of the population, are over the age of 50. As the community continues to age, we will face increasing costs and needs associated with elder care. To better understand …

Through a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Pathfinders is partnering with three bureaus within the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Division of Soil Conservation and Water Quality (IDALS – Field Services, Water Resources, and Mines and Minerals) to establish monarch habitat via four existing programs – Buffer Initiative Program, Urban Conservation Program, and Abandoned Mine …

This Saturday, November 5th from 10:00am – 11:00am, Davis County Trails Council is having a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Phase 1 of the trail system at the Mutchler Community Center, 900 E North St, Bloomfield, Iowa 52537. Everyone is welcome to join the party, coffee/juice and doughnuts will be served and you’ll be able to check out the first finished portion …

 Join Mahaska Soil and Water Conservation District and Muchakinock Creek Watershed Project for a “cover crop field day” on Thursday, November 10th at 9:30am. RSVP now to ensure there is food for you! Attendees will visit two sites and lunch will be provided.   More information on the flier – covercropflyernov