We strive to educate the public about sustainable land use practices that reduce erosion, improve water quality, and support the environmental resilience of central Iowa.
For additional information about the function of soil and water conservation districts, view Iowa Code 161a.
The Environmental Protection Agency is an independent executive agency of the United States federal government tasked with environmental protection matters. President Richard Nixon proposed the establishment of EPA on July 9, 1970; it began operation on December 2, 1970, after Nixon signed an executive order.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources manages fish and wildlife programs, ensures the health of Iowa’s forests and prairies, and provides recreational opportunities in Iowa’s state parks. Just as importantly, the Iowa DNR carries out state and federal laws that protect air, land and water through technical assistance, permitting and compliance programs. The Iowa DNR also encourages the enjoyment and stewardship of natural resources among Iowans through outreach and education.
Natural Resources Conservation Service, formerly known as the Soil Conservation Service, is an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture that provides technical assistance to farmers and other private landowners and managers.
In 1941 Hugh Hammond Bennett, the “father of soil conservation,” and a small group of visionary conservationists began discussions about the need for a society to support their relatively new profession. Those working in conservation had no common meeting ground, no medium for joint expression, and no collective means for advancing their cause. Existing organizations of the time provided little opportunity or encouragement for advancing the science and art of good land and water use.
While these meetings planted the seeds of what would become SWCS, it was not until 1943 that the intent to organize was announced, and in late 1944 a council was formed and membership began to grow. The first meeting of the Soil Conservation Society of America was held in Chicago on December 12-13, 1946.
Soon after, the Society began to publish the Journal of Soil and Water Conservation and a membership newsletter. The organization operated through the efforts of a part-time staff until 1951, when H. Wayne Pritchard was hired as the organization’s first full-time executive secretary, and a headquarters was established on Iowa State University land, just north of Des Moines, Iowa.
As the Soil Conservation Society of America matured as an organization, it changed its name to the Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS) to indicate a broader mission, including water resources, and an international scope of activity. It also gained a reputation as a source of balanced, authoritative information on land and water conservation issues.
Today, the organization continues to make a difference in conservation policy, research, education, and practice. The Society’s international membership works collectively to identify important land and water conservation issues, to discuss and debate those issues, and to initiate action for addressing them effectively.”
Â
Passage taken from swcs.org
The SWCS international headquarters building is located in the heart of the Corn Belt, between Des Moines and Ankeny, Iowa. This historical building was constructed in 1962 on land leased from Iowa State University at $1.00 per year through a 99-year lease. This generous arrangement was made possible because the land was an unused corner of an Iowa State experimental farm with little value for production. Built in a then-modern design, the building was intended to serve as “symbol of men and women dedicated to conservation for the welfare of people throughout the world.”
Over the years, the building, which is dedicated to Hugh Hammond Bennett, has served as home to his library of conservation resources and archived documents, housed a full printing press and production staff for the Journal of Soil and Water Conservation, and provided a central location for conservation work from around the United States and world.
As Iowa State sold the experimental farm and the surrounding land became urbanized, the SWCS headquarters has remained intact. The six acres on which the building is situated are prairie soils—Nicollet loam and Webster silty clay loam. A small pond and wooded area add habitat to the east side of the property. Wildlife include deer, foxes, turtles, hawks, and an owl.
Visitors often comment on the unusual and striking building among newly developed, suburban surroundings.Â
Â
Passage taken from swcs.org
To protect this vital resource,Â
In 1941 Hugh Hammond Bennett, the “father of soil conservation,” and a small group of visionary conservationists began discussions about the need for a society to support their relatively new profession. Those working in conservation had no common meeting ground, no medium for joint expression, and no collective means for advancing their cause. Existing organizations of the time provided little opportunity or encouragement for advancing the science and art of good land and water use.
While these meetings planted the seeds of what would become SWCS, it was not until 1943 that the intent to organize was announced, and in late 1944 a council was formed and membership began to grow. The first meeting of the Soil Conservation Society of America was held in Chicago on December 12-13, 1946.
Soon after, the Society began to publish the Journal of Soil and Water Conservation and a membership newsletter. The organization operated through the efforts of a part-time staff until 1951, when H. Wayne Pritchard was hired as the organization’s first full-time executive secretary, and a headquarters was established on Iowa State University land, just north of Des Moines, Iowa.
As the Soil Conservation Society of America matured as an organization, it changed its name to the Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS) to indicate a broader mission, including water resources, and an international scope of activity. It also gained a reputation as a source of balanced, authoritative information on land and water conservation issues.
Today, the organization continues to make a difference in conservation policy, research, education, and practice. The Society’s international membership works collectively to identify important land and water conservation issues, to discuss and debate those issues, and to initiate action for addressing them effectively.”
Â
Passage taken from swcs.org
The SWCS international headquarters building is located in the heart of the Corn Belt, between Des Moines and Ankeny, Iowa. This historical building was constructed in 1962 on land leased from Iowa State University at $1.00 per year through a 99-year lease. This generous arrangement was made possible because the land was an unused corner of an Iowa State experimental farm with little value for production. Built in a then-modern design, the building was intended to serve as “symbol of men and women dedicated to conservation for the welfare of people throughout the world.”
Over the years, the building, which is dedicated to Hugh Hammond Bennett, has served as home to his library of conservation resources and archived documents, housed a full printing press and production staff for the Journal of Soil and Water Conservation, and provided a central location for conservation work from around the United States and world.
As Iowa State sold the experimental farm and the surrounding land became urbanized, the SWCS headquarters has remained intact. The six acres on which the building is situated are prairie soils—Nicollet loam and Webster silty clay loam. A small pond and wooded area add habitat to the east side of the property. Wildlife include deer, foxes, turtles, hawks, and an owl.
Visitors often comment on the unusual and striking building among newly developed, suburban surroundings.Â
Â
Passage taken from swcs.org
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
One of Roosevelt’s major contributions to soil conservation was his establishment of the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) in 1935. The SCS was a federal agency that was responsible for helping farmers implement conservation practices on their land, such as terracing, crop rotation, and the planting of cover crops. By providing technical assistance and financial support to farmers, the SCS helped to reduce soil erosion and improve the health and productivity of the nation’s soil resources.
In addition to establishing the SCS, Roosevelt also signed several other important pieces of legislation that supported soil conservation. These included the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act of 1936, which provided funding for soil conservation programs, and the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act of 1937, which established a program to help tenant farmers purchase their own land and implement conservation practices.
Overall, Franklin D. Roosevelt’s efforts to promote soil conservation had a lasting impact on the health and productivity of the nation’s soil resources, and his legacy continues to be recognized and admired by those who are committed to protecting and preserving these resources.
Henry A. Wallace was an American politician and agricultural scientist who played a key role in promoting soil conservation in the United States. He served as the Secretary of Agriculture from 1933 to 1940, during which time he worked to address the problems of soil erosion and land degradation that were affecting many parts of the country.
One of Wallace’s major contributions to soil conservation was his development of the “Soil Bank” program, which was designed to help farmers protect their land from erosion and other forms of degradation. The program provided financial incentives for farmers to set aside some of their land for conservation purposes, such as planting cover crops or establishing grasslands. By encouraging farmers to adopt these practices, the Soil Bank program helped to reduce soil erosion and improve the health and productivity of the nation’s soil resources.
In addition to his work on soil conservation, Wallace was also a strong advocate for other environmental causes, such as wildlife conservation and the protection of natural resources. He believed that it was important to preserve the nation’s natural resources for future generations, and he worked to promote policies that would help to protect and sustain these resources.
Overall, Henry A. Wallace made significant contributions to the field of soil conservation, and his work continues to be recognized and admired by those who are committed to protecting the health and productivity of our nation’s soil resources.
Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States, was a strong advocate for soil conservation and played a significant role in promoting policies and programs that aimed to protect and preserve the nation’s soil resources.
One of Roosevelt’s major contributions to soil conservation was his establishment of the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) in 1935. The SCS was a federal agency that was responsible for helping farmers implement conservation practices on their land, such as terracing, crop rotation, and the planting of cover crops. By providing technical assistance and financial support to farmers, the SCS helped to reduce soil erosion and improve the health and productivity of the nation’s soil resources.
In addition to establishing the SCS, Roosevelt also signed several other important pieces of legislation that supported soil conservation. These included the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act of 1936, which provided funding for soil conservation programs, and the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act of 1937, which established a program to help tenant farmers purchase their own land and implement conservation practices.
Overall, Franklin D. Roosevelt’s efforts to promote soil conservation had a lasting impact on the health and productivity of the nation’s soil resources, and his legacy continues to be recognized and admired by those who are committed to protecting and preserving these resources.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
The Mississippi River is an essential natural resource that plays a vital role in the environment and economy of the United States. It is the fourth longest river in the world, and it is home to a diverse array of plant and animal life.
Protecting the Mississippi River is important for several reasons. The river is a major source of drinking water for millions of people, and it is also an important transportation route for goods and services. In addition, the river supports a variety of recreational activities, such as fishing, boating, and birdwatching, which contribute to the local economy and provide opportunities for people to connect with nature.
The Mississippi River is also an important ecological resource. The river and its surrounding wetlands provide habitat for a variety of species, including many that are endangered or threatened. In addition, the river plays a critical role in flood control, helping to reduce the impact of flooding on communities and businesses.
Overall, protecting the Mississippi River is essential for preserving the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the region, as well as for supporting the health and well-being of the people and communities who depend on the river.
While we are unsure of the moment the idea of conservation caught fire, the soil conservation movement is often attributed to Hugh Hammond Bennett. However, the real thrust to do something came from then-President, Franklin D. Roosevelt. But this problem was drawn to the President's attention by the Federal Secretary of Ag from Iowa, Henry A. Wallace, wrote to President Roosevelt: "The soil is indispensable. Heedless wastage of the wealth which nature has stored in the soil cannot long continue without the effects being felt by every member of society."
Don Muhm, Iowa Soil Conservation 1939-1979
To protect our resources, the state of Iowa created a “governmental subdivision of this state, and a public body corporate and politic, organized for the purposes, with the powers, and subject to the restrictions of 161A.
It is hereby declared to be the policy of the legislature to integrate the conservation of soil and water resources into the production of agricultural commodities to insure the long-term protection of the soil and water resources of the state of Iowa, and to encourage the development of farm management and agricultural practices that are consistent with the capability of the land to sustain agriculture, and thereby to preserve natural resources, control floods, prevent impairment of dams and reservoirs, assist and maintain the navigability of rivers and harbors, preserve wildlife, protect the tax base, protect public lands and promote the health, safety, and public welfare of the people of this state.
preserve and protect the public interest in the soil and water resources of this state for future generations and for this purpose to encourage, promote, facilitate, and where such public interest requires, to mandate the conservation and proper control of and use of the soil and water resources of this state, by measures including but not limited to the control of floods, the control of erosion by water or by wind, the preservation of the quality of water for its optimum use for agricultural, irrigation, recreational, industrial, and domestic purposes, all of which shall be presumed to be conducive to the public health, convenience, and welfare, both present and future.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Employment Opportunities
No job positions are available at this time. We appreciate your interest in Iowa’s Polk County SWCD.
Employment Opportunities
No job positions are available at this time. We appreciate your interest in Iowa’s Polk County SWCD.
Polk Soil and Water
Conservation District
1513 North Ankeny Blvd., Suite 3
Ankeny, IA, 50023
Polk Soil and Water
Conservation District
1513 North Ankeny Blvd., Suite 3
Ankeny, IA, 50023
Polk Soil and Water
Conservation District
1513 North Ankeny Blvd., Suite 3
Ankeny, IA, 50023
Polk Soil and Water Conservation District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider.
Local stories directly to you