The Madison Conservation District and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) invite farmers, landowners, conservation partners, and community members to participate in the 2026 Madison Valley Local Working Group Meeting. Local Working Groups are part of NRCS’s locally led conservation process…
The Land Stewardship Workshop for Small Acreages brings together natural resource professionals from across the region to share information and resources on topics relevant to small-acreage landowners. This collaborative event is hosted by the Madison Conservation District, Natural Resources Conservation…
As part of our new Cost Share Programs, the Madison Conservation District has developed a Native Grass Seed Establishment Guide to help landowners plan, plant, and establish native grass seed mixes. The guide includes information on MCD-recommended seed mixes for…
In Southwest Montana, the connection between land and health runs deeper than we often realize. In Southwest Montana, our lives are interconnected with the land. From the rivers that boast recreators throughout the summer, to the valleys that support cattle…
Have you ever wondered how water quality is monitored in the Madison Watershed? While some information comes from in-stream equipment, much of it depends on people heading into the field to collect data and make observations. One approach many organizations…
The Madison Conservation District is excited to partner with Sacred Pine Ranch in McAlister, MT to host a free screening of the Common Ground Redux Film. This special 45 minute documentary shares direct testimony from American farmers, ranchers, educators, and…
Let’s set the scene. In the 1930s, the United States stood on the brink of an infamous natural disaster: the Dust Bowl. As drought conditions swept across the country, especially impacting the Great Plains region, unsustainable practices and land use…
As March begins and the spring equinox approaches, it feels like the perfect time to brush up on plant identification and prepare for summer recreation. Admittedly, I am no expert in plant ID, but I do enjoy learning about the…
Wetlands are important features of our natural landscape, providing numerous benefits for people and wildlife. These highly productive and diverse ecosystems enhance water quality, control erosion, maintain stream flows, and provide valuable habitat. A wetland is a land area that…
There is not much snow blanketing the valley as we roll into the New Year, so instead I’d like to draw attention to the little white berries whose common name was likely inspired by their likeness to a snowball. The…
Please take a few minutes to fill out our Natural Resource Concern Survey! The Conservation District and NRCS Field Office use this information in adapting our long range plans. Interested in being a part of this discussion, join our local working group meeting on November 17th at the Madison Valley Public Library from 10:30am - 11:30am.