Humboldt Soil and Water Conservation District

05/12/2026

HUMBOLDT COUNTY INCLUDED IN FIRST ROUND OF IOWA WATER QUALITY GRANTS

Humboldt County Soil and Water Conservation District's initiative among the recipients in the first round of state funding announced by Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig.

STORY: https://977thebolt.com/2026/05/humboldt-county-included-in-first-round-of-iowa-water-quality-grants/

05/07/2026

Now accepting applications for Fall 2026!
Whether you're interested in cover crops or other conservation practices, we’re here to help. Stop in anytime — we’ll walk you through the application process and answer any questions you may have.

04/20/2026

WE ARE STILL ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS-
PARTICIPANTS WILL RECEIVE SEEED, EDUCATION, AND ONGOING SUPPORT.

Buzz & Bloom Launches New Program to Grow Pollinator Habitat Across Humboldt County!
Would you like a pollinator plot filled with native wildflowers in your backyard or at your business? Native plant sites support pollinators like monarchs, hummingbirds, and other wildlife, while also filtering stormwater and building healthy soil.

Eligible applicants include Humboldt County residents and members of the Oakdale Chapter of the Izaak Walton League.
Requirements:
* Plot size: 100 - 2500 sq ft
* Personal residence, business or organization
* Attendance at Plot Preparation Workshop on May 21st 1:00
at ISU Extension Office, Humboldt, IA
* Maintain the site for a minimum of 5 years

Apply at www.threeriverstrail.org/buzz-bloom
or pick up an application at the USDA Service Center, 1301 6th Ave N., Humboldt.

Questions? Please contact: [email protected]

04/18/2026

Pollinator Friendly Ames wants to remind you to Be a Pollinator Pal!

03/20/2026

We are proud of our local newspaper and its skilled, engaged, and experienced staff who serve our community in many positive ways. We especially appreciate conservation articles informing people how to save soil, water and air resources.

🌽🌾We were honored to receive the Partners in Conservation Award from Humboldt's SWCD at this year's Pollinator Party back in August!

📰👀 Read the story from Jim Sayers in the Agriculture Issue of the Humboldt Independent OUT NOW‼

💗 Thank you to the Humboldt Soil and Water Conservation District for your continued support and collaboration!

02/10/2026

Calling Iowa Landowners!
Are you curious about soil health and conservation?
Are you busy, but want to learn more?
Are you interested in improving your land?
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach launched a new program in June 2024 to help Iowa landowners incorporate soil health principles into their farmland. This unique learning experience brings together experts on conservation, agronomy, financial, and legal topics. Landowners have the opportunity to learn from ISU experts and from each other as part of a small learning group. The first and second cohorts took place in summer 2024 and 2025.

https://naturalresources.extension.iastate.edu/programs/landowner-education

01/08/2026

Buzz & Bloom Launches New Program to Grow Pollinator Habitat Across Humboldt County

A new conservation effort is taking root in Humboldt County, and residents are invited to join in. Would you like a pollinator plot filled with native wildflowers in your backyard or at your business?
Native plant sites support pollinators like monarchs, hummingbirds, and other wildlife, while also filtering stormwater and building healthy soil.
Buzz & Bloom is now accepting applications from Humboldt County residents and Oakdale Chapter Izaak Walton League members to create pollinator friendly spaces with free seed, education, and ongoing support.

Who Can Apply
• Humboldt County residents
• Oakdale Chapter Izaak Walton League members

Plot Requirements
• Size: 100–2,500 sq ft
• Location: Personal residence, business, or organization
• Commitment: Attend a spring site prep workshop and maintain the site for five years

Why It Matters
Pollinators play a crucial role in sustaining healthy ecosystems, yet habitat loss continues to threaten their survival. By planting native species and creating intentional habitat, community members can help rebuild the biodiversity that pollinators depend on. These small plots, when established across the county, form a connected network of habitats that strengthens pollinator populations and enriches local landscapes.

How to Get Involved
Buzz & Bloom encourages anyone with outdoor space and an interest in conservation to apply. Whether it’s a corner of a yard, a business frontage, or a community organization’s green space, each plot contributes to a healthier, more vibrant environment. With free seed, hands on guidance, and long term support, participants are set up for success from the very beginning.

Applications can be picked up at the USDA Service Center, Humboldt SWCD, 1301 6th Ave N., Humboldt, IA, or accessed online at www.threeriverstrail.org/buzz-bloom/

Program Timeline
To help participants plan ahead, organizers have released a projected schedule for the 2026 pollinator plot program:
• Applications accepted through March 1st
• Spring workshop (1–2 hour class) held in April or May
• Pollinator plot area preparation from summer into fall
• Seed ordering for each site in October
• Final planting in November or December

11/09/2025

You are invited - field day, Noon - 2 p.m., Nov. 25 (lunch included)
Please RSVP by Nov. 18 to [email protected]

10/31/2025

It was great having Bill and Nate from Water Rocks! visit Taft school and talk to our third graders this week. Topic: watersheds.

10/28/2025

Look at these cover crops go! Brent Larson with Sunderman Farm Management planted Camelina, Wheat and Triticale earlier this fall - and they're looking great! Always exciting to see healthy growth and the benefits of good soil management in action.