Addressing water quality connects neighbors in Blackhawk Creek Watershed
Blackhawk Creek carries E. coli bacteria and 2,720 tons of nitrates to the Cedar River annually. Neighbors established Blackhawk Creek Water & Soil Coalition to restore it.
Read MoreA model for farmer-driven watershed improvement asks, “What next?”
Farmer Jeff Pape rallied neighbors to farm differently in Hewitt Creek Watershed, near Iowa’s Field of Dreams. “Affordable change came first. Now reaching water quality goals means more investment.
Read MoreProving collaboration is possible
Cooperation between local partners in Pike County is increasing the number of cover cropped acres. Producers John and Sandy Scherder say it has everything to do with the will to connect.
Read MoreFarmers talking with neighbors is prime driver of success across watersheds
Root River Field to Stream Partnership gathered data, but more importantly, it engaged with growers and encouraged conversations among growers that led to positive changes in soil and water.
Read MoreGrowing grassroots change: Farmer-led conservation is getting a little help from its friends
“A watershed group was worth a try,” said farmer Brian McCulloh, “so I attended meetings with an open mind. It helps when neighbors struggle with the same challenges, to do better.”
Read MoreReviving the endangered Topeka shiner minnow
Restoring stream oxbows where they naturally occur is reviving the endangered Topeka shiner minnow, other fish and wildlife. Farmers also see nutrient reduction benefits.
Read MoreComing together for the sake of a creek
Focused work in Minnesota’s Rice Creek watershed is connecting producers, reducing the risk of trying cover crops and other new practices, influencing local farming methods and improving conditions for brook trout in Rice Creek.
Read MoreLandowner-led effort jumpstarts conservation practice adoption
Shoal Creek Woodlands for Wildlife, a bottom-up, self-organized group of local landowners and collaborators, connected neighbors and jumpstarted rapid adoption of conservation practices across the watershed.
Read MoreNeighbor to Neighbor | Peno Creek Cooperative Partnership
Hear how producer John Scherder and MDC Fisheries regional lead Chris Williamson connected and turned a ripple of interest into a wave of cover crop adoption in Peno Creek Watershed.
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