Sand County Foundation Receives Grant to Enhance Grasslands Resilience

Sand County Foundation is among six nonprofit organizations nationally to receive the first round of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s (NFWF) “Grassland Resilience and Conservation Initiative funding.” The initiative will help cattle ranchers enhance wildlife habitat, conserve water resources, and improve soil health across the nation’s grasslands.

A nonprofit conservation organization, Sand County Foundation has been awarded a multi-year, $7.8 million NFWF grant to accelerate regenerative grazing practices, habitat restoration, and conservation of wildlife and water on working ranches across the nation. 

“Sand County Foundation is thrilled about this opportunity,” said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation CEO. "For years, our network of ranchers has been seeking ways to expand grassland conservation. Thanks to NFWF, we can help them realize their ambitions."

Colorado Leopold Conservation Award Finalists Selected

Two finalists have been selected for the 2026 Colorado Leopold Conservation Award®.

The award honors ranchers, farmers, and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land. 

Named in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, this award recognizes landowners who inspire others with their dedication to environmental improvement. In his influential 1949 book, A Sand County Almanac, Leopold advocated for “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage. 

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In Colorado, the award is presented with Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust, and USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service of Colorado. 

Oklahoma Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Applicants

Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Oklahoma Leopold Conservation Award®.

The award honors farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land. 

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In Oklahoma the $10,000 award is presented with ITC Great Plains, Noble Research Institute, Oklahoma Conservation Commission, Oklahoma Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes landowners who inspire others to consider conservation opportunities on their land. In his influential 1949 book, “A Sand County Almanac,” Leopold advocated for “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage. 

Greg and Janis Thoren to Receive Illinois Leopold Conservation Award

Greg and Janis Thoren are the recipients of the 2026 Illinois Leopold Conservation Award®.

The award honors farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in the management of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land. 

The Thorens, who raise crops and cattle near Stockton in Jo Daviess County, will receive $10,000 for being selected. They will host an on-farm award presentation and will be honored by the Association of Illinois Soil & Water Conservation Districts this summer.  

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust will present Leopold Conservation Awards to landowners in 28 states this year. In Illinois the award is presented annually with BASF, IL Corn and Illinois Soybean Association. The award announcement was timed in conjunction with Illinois’ Soil Health Week. 

Bill Clark Receives Oklahoma Leopold Conservation Award

Bill Clark of Roff has been selected as the recipient of the Oklahoma Leopold Conservation Award®.

The $10,000 award honors farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land. 

Clark, the owner of Rising Sun Ranch from Pontotoc County, was revealed as the award’s recipient at the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts’ Annual Meeting on March 2.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In Oklahoma the award is presented with ITC Great Plains, Noble Research Institute, Oklahoma Conservation Commission, Oklahoma Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Stacy Lischka Joins Sand County Foundation

Sand County Foundation has named Stacy Lischka, PhD. the Western Director of its Leopold Conservation Award program.

Sand County Foundation, based in Wisconsin, is a national non-profit that works with farmers, ranchers, forestland owners, and other private land managers to improve soil health, water resources, and wildlife habitat. 

Leopold Conservation Awards are presented annually in 28 states to innovative landowners whose efforts inspire others to consider conservation opportunities on their own land. Lischka will manage the program in California, Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, and Utah. 

Carolinas Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Applicants

Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Carolinas Leopold Conservation Award®.

The $10,000 award honors farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land. 

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In the Carolinas the award is presented with the North Carolina Soil Health Coalition. 

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes landowners who inspire others to consider conservation opportunities on their land. In his influential 1949 book, “A Sand County Almanac,” Leopold advocated for “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage. 

Nominations being accepted for New York AEM Leopold Conservation Award

Applications are being accepted for New York State’s 2026 Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) Leopold Conservation Award. Presented in partnership with the Sand County Foundation, the annual award honors a farm and its nominating Soil and Water Conservation District for extraordinary achievement in environmental stewardship. In New York, the $10,000 award is presented in partnership with national sponsor American Farmland Trust and state partner Cornell Cooperative Extension. 

Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Applicants

Applicants are now being accepted for the 2026 Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award®.

The award honors farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land. 

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In Pennsylvania, the $10,000 award is presented with The Heinz Endowments, Horizon Farm Credit, and Pennsylvania Farm Bureau.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes landowners who inspire others to consider conservation opportunities on their land. In his influential 1949 book, “A Sand County Almanac,” Leopold advocated for “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage. 

Maryland Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Applicants

Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Maryland Leopold Conservation Award®.

The award honors farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land. 

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor, American Farmland Trust, present Leopold Conservation Awards to landowners in 28 states. In Maryland the $10,000 award is presented with The Campbell Foundation, Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts, and Maryland Farm Bureau Inc.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes landowners who inspire others to consider conservation opportunities on their land. In his influential 1949 book, “A Sand County Almanac,” Leopold advocated for “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage. 

Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Applicants

Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award®.

The award honors farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land. 

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In Wisconsin the $10,000 award is presented with Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation and Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin. 

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes landowners who inspire others to consider conservation opportunities on their land. In his influential 1949 book, “A Sand County Almanac,” Leopold advocated for “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage. 

California Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Applicants

Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 California Leopold Conservation Award®. 

The award honors farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land. 

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In California the $10,000 award is presented with Sustainable Conservation and California Farm Bureau Federation.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes landowners who inspire others to consider conservation opportunities on their land. In his influential 1949 book, “A Sand County Almanac,” Leopold advocated for “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage. 

Erickson to Lead Leopold Conservation Awards in the Dakotas

Alex Erickson of Grand Forks has been tapped to manage the Leopold Conservation Award program in North and South Dakota.

Sand County Foundation’s Leopold Conservation Award program annually recognizes farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners in 28 states. Their efforts to improve soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat serve as inspiration for others to consider conservation opportunities on their own land. 

Mississippi Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Applicants

Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Mississippi Leopold Conservation Award®. 

The award honors farmers and forestland owners who above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land. 

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In Mississippi the $10,000 award is presented with the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation. 

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes landowners who inspire others to consider conservation opportunities on their land. In his influential 1949 book, “A Sand County Almanac,” Leopold advocated for “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage. 

New Mexico Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Applicants

Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 New Mexico Leopold Conservation Award®. 

The award honors ranchers, farmers, and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land. 

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In New Mexico, the $10,000 award is presented with New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts, New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau, and Quivira Coalition.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes landowners who inspire others to consider conservation opportunities on their land. In his influential 1949 book, “A Sand County Almanac,” Leopold advocated for “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage. 

Utah Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Applicants

Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Utah Leopold Conservation Award®.

The award honors ranchers, farmers, and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land. 

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In Utah the award is presented with Utah Farm Bureau Federation, Western AgCredit, and Utah Cattlemen’s Association. 

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes landowners who inspire others to consider conservation opportunities on their land. In his influential 1949 book, “A Sand County Almanac,” Leopold advocated for “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage. 

Kansas Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Applicants

Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Kansas Leopold Conservation Award®.

The award honors ranchers, farmers, and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land. 

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In Kansas, the $10,000 award is presented with Kansas Association of Conservation Districts, Kansas Farm Bureau, and the Ranchland Trust of Kansas. 

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes landowners who inspire others to consider conservation opportunities on their land. In his influential 1949 book, “A Sand County Almanac,” Leopold advocated for “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage. 

Iowa Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Applicants

Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Iowa Leopold Conservation Award^®. 

The award honors farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land. 

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In Iowa, the $10,000 award is presented with Conservation Districts of Iowa and Practical Farmers of Iowa.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes landowners who inspire others to consider conservation opportunities on their land. In his influential 1949 book, “A Sand County Almanac,” Leopold advocated for “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage. 

New England Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Applicants

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2026 New England Leopold Conservation Award®.

The award honors farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land. 

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In New England the $10,000 award is presented with the New England Forestry Foundation and the New England chapter of American Farmland Trust. 

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes landowners who inspire others to consider conservation opportunities on their land. In his influential 1949 book, A Sand County Almanac, Leopold advocated for “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

Minnesota Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Applicants

Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Minnesota Leopold Conservation Award®.

The award honors farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land. 

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In Minnesota, the $10,000 award is presented with the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition and Soil Regen. 

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes landowners who inspire others to consider conservation opportunities on their land. In his influential 1949 book, “A Sand County Almanac,” Leopold advocated for “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage. 

Jim Hershey Receives Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award

Jim Hershey of Elizabethtown has been selected as the Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award® recipient.

The $10,000 award honors farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land. 

Hershey, a farmer from Lancaster County, was revealed as the award recipient at the Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg on January 12. 

North Dakota Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Applicants

Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 North Dakota Leopold Conservation Award®. 

The award honors ranchers, farmers, and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land. 

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In North Dakota, the $10,000 award is presented with North Dakota Grazing Lands Coalition, North Dakota Association of Soil Conservation Districts and the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association.