Marion Soil and Water Conservation District partners with farmers and ranchers to protect the land and water that keep operations productive and profitable. Our conservation planners work one-on-one with producers, land managers, and community members to apply for funding, tackle on-the-ground challenges like water use efficiency, mud and manure management, soil health, weed control, and pollinator habitat, and connect you with trusted technical resources. We also offer practical, producer-focused learning opportunities through farm tours, field talks, virtual presentations and additional digital resources. Reach out to get to know us and see how we can support your operation, today and for generations to come.

Our mission is to partner with people in support of thriving lands, clean water, and healthy habitats. We do this through planning, technical assistance, funding, and education.

Some of the ways Marion SWCD can support your operation include:

Vegetation

• Streamside and hedgerow plantings
• Field borders and filter strips
• Cover crop planning and implementation
• Forest stand improvement and woodland management

Soil

• Soil health improvement and erosion stabilization
• Runoff and compaction challenges
• Composting systems and soil amendments

Water

• Drainage and flooding concerns
• Water harvesting and catchment systems
• Irrigation efficiency upgrades
• Drip irrigation systems
• Linear to sprinkler or drip conversions

Livestock

• Mud management and fencing solutions
• Nutrient and manure management planning

Education & Training

• Agricultural Conservation Education (ACE)
• Producer-focused field tours, workshops, and trainings
• Technical resource sharing and referrals
  

Other

• Farm and access road improvements
• Prescribed grazing planning
• Pasture management and forage health