In 1949, 228 local landowners voted in favor of forming what would become a cornerstone of conservation in the Flint Hills region, with just 11 opposed. By 1950, the Greenwood County Soil Conservation District was officially operating under the Kansas State Soil Conservation District Law of 1937, launching a coordinated effort to control erosion and conserve soil and water on local farmland.
Seventy-five years later, the Greenwood County Conservation District (GWCCD) is marking a milestone anniversary — celebrating decades of conservation practices, agricultural partnerships and a growing emphasis on education and community outreach.
From its earliest days, the district focused on practical, on-the-ground conservation: planting grass, building terraces, constructing ponds, and installing fencing to protect valuable natural resources.
In 2001 alone, more than 160 acres of grass were planted, nearly 6,000 feet of fence installed, and almost 12,000 feet of terraces constructed. Costshare programs supported $37,503 in completed conservation work that year. Over the years, those numbers multiplied. Between 2006 and 2010, the district helped install 25,000 feet of fencing, restore nine ponds, build four new ponds, and replant 130 acres of pasture and hayland back to grass.
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More recently, the 2023 State Cost Share year included: 546.67 acres of cover crops; 8,633 feet of fencing; 2,840 feet of terraces; 6.09 acres of waterways; a pond restoration and a spring development.
In the 2025 program year, the district raised project and landowner limits to $10,000, demonstrating its continued investment in meaningful conservation impact.
Outreach and Education While conservation practices remain central, outreach and education have grown into a defining feature of the district’s work.
Annual traditions such as Day on the Farm, the Water Festival, and the conservation poster contest have introduced generations of Greenwood County students to soil health, water quality, and prairie ecosystems.
Innovative tools brought conservation lessons to life, which included: The Earth Balloon, a walk-through replica of the planet; The AR Sandbox, an interactive augmented reality topography model; and Soil tunnel and stream model trailers.
Students learned about recycling, water molecules, prescribed fire, and Kansas ecosystems. The district also sponsors Envirothon teams and Range Youth Camp participants, helping cultivate the next generation of conservation leaders.
In 2017, the district received the Governor’s Award recognizing its dedication to soil and water conservation programs. In 2020, District Manager Keila Sherman earned the Kansas Association of Conservation and Environmental Education (KACEE) Award for her conservation education efforts in local schools.
Beyond classrooms and cost-share contracts, the district has fostered community engagement through unique events.
One standout is the annual “King of the Prairie” Big Bluestem Contest, held during the Cattlemen’s Association celebration each November. Participants bring in the tallest stalk of Big Bluestem grass, celebrating good prairie management. In 2025, Jeanna Beeman won the adult division with a 7’8” stalk, while Jorja Beeman captured the youth title at 7’11.5”.
The district also launched Women in Ag events, Farmer- to-Farmer and Farmer- to-Rancher meetings, and educational field tours, ensuring conservation conversations extend beyond traditional audiences.
NRCS Agreement
The district operates under a long-standing Local Operating Agreement with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), allowing shared expertise and resources while reducing overhead costs. It also collaborates with watershed groups, K-State Extension, the Kansas Grazing Lands Coalition, Ducks Unlimited, local Farm Bureau chapters, and neighboring counties. Current leadership in 2026 includes: Luke Westerman, NRCS Supervisory District Conservationist; Sherman, District Manager; and Ryan Henry, NRCS Soil Conservation Technician.
The Board of Supervisors includes Chairman Andrew Davis, Vice-Chairman Glen Collinge, Treasurer Preston Beeman, Brance Boone and Matthew Marshall.
Looking Ahead
As the State Cost Share program year begins, contracts already include more than 700 acres of cover crops, nearly 50 acres of range planting, fencing, terraces, and a wetland restoration project in partnership with Ducks Unlimited. Custom seed blends, geotextile fabric and equipment rentals remain available to producers. Education programs, workshops and youth events continue to expand.
From 228 landowners casting votes in 1949 to a network of producers, educators, students and community partners today, the GWCCD’s mission remains steady: Healthy soil and clean water are the foundation of life.
Annual Meeting/Contact The 75th Annual District Meeting was held on Feb. 11, in Hamilton, with 11 people attending. Beeman and Boone were elected to serve three more years. Through the Grasslands Enhancement Initiative, the GWCCD was awarded $25,000 and is able to distribute the funds to landowners for priority practices that are to be implemented within the county. This program is not a part of the state’s costshare program. For additional information, call the GWCCD at 620-583-5544, ext. 3 or visit 1819 E. River St., in Eureka. (Courtesy photos)
