Workshops and Field Tours

During the months when mother nature shows her blustery side, we take our education programs indoors. These regular workshops encourage learning in a more traditional classroom experience.  Typically featuring an expert from our region, these events allow attendees to learn directly on a specific topic from a speaker that knows it well. Speakers are experts in their field, either by advanced training or through first hand experience with practices and methods.  The smaller setting and shorter time period allows for ample opportunity to ask the speakers questions and to hear how others in our area address the topic.

The MCD has been hosting education events for local landowners and managers for many years.  Through these events, attendees will learn the background information on a range of topics, and have a chance to see the topic demonstrated first hand.  Sign up for the ENews for the next Workshop and Field Tour Events!

Winter Rancher Roundtable

The annual rancher roundtable series takes place in January and February in our area. The series provides education and outreach on topics of interest to local ranching and farming operations of all sizes. The series is free and open to the public, and is led by a partnership of the Madison Conservation District, the Ruby Valley Conservation District, the Madison Valley Ranchlands Group, and Montana State University – Extension. We hold these events outside of normal work and school hours so as to encourage youth and family engagement.

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Conservation Speaker Series

The Conservation Speaker Series takes place in March and April.  The series provides education and outreach on conservation topics of interest to the Madison County community . The series is free and open to the public, and is led by a partnership of the Madison Conservation District and the Ruby Valley Conservation District. We hold these events outside of normal work and school hours so as to encourage youth and family engagement.

Watershed Speaker Series

The Madison Watershed Speaker Series is a free summer program hosted by the Madison Conservation District and Madison River Foundation to share information with the community on various watershed health related issues, topics, and projects, and identify how we as a community can protect our beloved watershed.

Wildlife Speaker Series of Southwest Montana

The Madison Conservation District hosts an annual presentation as part of the Southwest Montana Wildlife Speaker Series, in partnership with organizations such as the Madison Valley Ranchlands Group, Jack Creek Preserve Foundation, Ruby Valley Conservation District, Ruby Habitat Foundation, and others. Past topics have included Mountain Goats (2023) and Bighorn Sheep (2024).

Land Stewardship Workshop for Small Acreages

The Land Stewardship Workshop for Small Acreages is an event that brings together natural resource professionals from across the region to address topics of concern for small acreage landowners. This a collaborative event hosted by the Madison Conservation District, Ruby Valley Conservation District, Natural Resource Conservation Service, and MSU Extension.

The 2025 Workshop was held on October 7th at the Assembly of God Church in Ennis. More details are available on the link below.

Field Tours

There is no better classroom than the land, and no better teacher than those who know it best.  These tours bring attendees out onto the land to experience in-person how management approaches are tested and the results of the efforts.  Held during summer and fall months, the Field Tours often have a direct tie to the topics covered in the workshop events, allowing participants a chance to witness the concepts in both settings.

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