News & Updates

Click here for a navigation tool for cover crops, no-till, and reduced till as well as what programs stack with other opportunities in Iowa. Check it out! 

Sign up for the program begins Monday, December 2nd, 2024. To see the Program Overview click here. 

We at Dallas County SWCD welcome donations in support of our efforts to conserve, protect, and enhance our resources for current and future generations.  Attached is a tax-deductible donation form for summer interns, technicians, student scholarships and educational activities and newsletters for your consideration.

Ken Herring, Associate Commissioner started this past spring with Dallas County SWCD.  Welcome Ken!

North America's largest high school environmental educational competition is back! 

Envirothon®, is an exhilarating blend of environmental exploration, leadership cultivation, and academic prowess tailored for high school students (grades 9-12 or ages 14-19). This unique experience unfolds across the United States, Canada, China, and Singapore, transcending borders to shape the eco-champions of tomorrow.

Unleash your creativity in the heart of Dallas County with the Dallas County Poster Contest!

This year's theme, "May The Forest Be With You Always," invites artists of all ages to showcase their passion for nature and sustainability. Mark your calendars for the April 5, 2024 deadline. For additional details, explore the contest section on the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) website at nacdnet.org. 

Join us on this journey to make a visual impact and inspire a greener tomorrow!

We are currently in the middle of processing claims for Cover Crops through the WQI Statewide Cover Crop Program.  Currently we have processed 16 of the 25 application, benefitting 1,227 acres, with a cost share total of over $18,000.00.

On September 29, 2023 Assistant Commissioner Sharon Donovan, District Conservationist Aaron Eggert and Soil Conservationist Tyler Reams, toured  the WILC in Waukee and discussed prairie establishment and management, education and career opportunities in natural resources, and classroom activities, one of which was the release of the monarchs! 

Perry Middle School hosted the third annual Agriculture in the Classroom on Tuesday, October 17.  Dallas County District Conservationist Aaron Eggert and Soil Conservationist Tyler Reams did a demonstration land management and the benefits of good soil health.

The spring of 2023 we had planted a vegetable garden at the SWCD office in Adel. We had enough tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers to share with a few care centers in the Adel area.

In January 2023, this newly developed wetland was open to the public at DMACC Farms, Adel, Iowa.  A partnership of IDALS, IAWA, Dallas County and Polk County Utilities, Ducks Unlimited and a contribution from Prairie Meadows made this wetland possible.  This project will capture water from 340 plus acres of cropland in the North Raccoon watershed and reduce the water's nitrate levels by 40 - 90 percent.  Tyler Reams, Dallas County NRCS Soil Conservationist was present at the opening.