Driftless Area Farm Returns to its Roots

“I call it my spark bird,” Dan McGraw says of the Long-eared owl he first saw on his land in 2019.

It sparked an interest in providing bird habitat on McGraw’s 240-acre farm in southwest Wisconsin. The owl he spotted was attracted to something his father Paul had done years prior to conserve soil.

For decades, the McGraw land had been heavily grazed and farmed for row crops. When Dan’s father Paul McGraw enrolled 16 acres of highly erodible pastureland into the federal Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, part of the agreement was to plant a mix of trees, including white pines. Long-eared owls are known to prefer a habitat of conifer trees and grasslands to hunt mice.

Alex Erickson Joins Sand County Foundation

Sand County Foundation has named Alex Erickson associate director of the Leopold Conservation Award program.

Erickson will play a key role in outreach to Leopold Conservation Award recipients and sponsors nationally.

Sand County Foundation, based in Madison, is a national non-profit that works with farmers, ranchers, foresters, and other private landowners to improve soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat. Leopold Conservation Awards are presented annually in 28 states to innovative landowners who inspire others to consider conservation opportunities on their own land.

Oklahoma Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2025 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.

Scotty and Jo Herriman Receive Oklahoma Leopold Conservation Award

Scotty and Jo Herriman of South Coffeyville have been selected as the recipients 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.

The Herrimans, farmers from Nowata County, were revealed as the award’s recipient at the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts’ Annual Meeting on February 25.

Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2025 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 Nominees

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2025 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 Keith Campbell Foundation for the Environment, 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.

New England Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2025 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.

Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2025 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

Iowa Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2025 Iowa 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 the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 28 states. In Iowa, the $10,000 award is presented with Conservation Districts of Iowa and Practical Farmers of Iowa.

Minnesota Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2025 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.

Victor Harris Joins Sand County Foundation Board

Victor Harris has joined the board of directors of the Sand County Foundation, a national nonprofit working at the intersection of agriculture and environmental improvement.

Harris is the founder and president of Cierra Publishing Company and serves as the publisher and editor of Minority Landowner Magazine, a national publication that highlights the challenges and successes of minority, limited resource and small farmers, ranchers and forest landowners. 

“We are thrilled to bring Victor’s extensive communications, conservation, and forestry leadership and perspective to our board,” said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation President and CEO.

Nominations Being Accepted for 2025 New York AEM-Leopold Conservation Award

Nominations are being accepted for New York State’s 2025 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 voluntary conservation of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land. In New York the $10,000 award is presented in partnership with national sponsor American Farmland Trust, and state partner Cornell Cooperative Extension.

Kansas Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2025 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, and the Ranchland Trust of Kansas.

California Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2025 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.

Illinois Schools Help Promote Pollinators

Sand County Foundation is awarding pollinator seed starter kits to nine schools in Illinois.

The seed starter kits give K-12 students hands-on experience growing and planting milkweed and other pollinator-friendly wildflowers. Insect pollinators and monarch butterflies are essential for food production and ecological diversity, but their populations are at risk.

Iowa Schools Help Promote Pollinators

Sand County Foundation is awarding pollinator seed starter kits to 10 Iowa schools.

The seed starter kits give K-12 students hands-on experience growing and planting milkweed and other pollinator-friendly wildflowers. Insect pollinators and monarch butterflies are essential for food production and ecological diversity, but their populations are at risk.

Michigan Schools Help Promote Pollinators

Sand County Foundation is awarding pollinator seed starter kits to 17 Michigan schools.

The seed starter kits give K-12 students hands-on experience growing and planting milkweed and other pollinator-friendly wildflowers. Insect pollinators and monarch butterflies are essential for food production and ecological diversity, but their populations are at risk.

Wisconsin Schools Help Promote Pollinators

Sand County Foundation is awarding pollinator seed starter kits to 22 Wisconsin schools.

The seed starter kits give K-12 students hands-on experience growing and planting milkweed and other pollinator-friendly wildflowers. Insect pollinators and monarch butterflies are essential for food production and ecological diversity, but their populations are at risk.

Minnesota Schools Help Promote Pollinators

Sand County Foundation is awarding pollinator seed starter kits to nine Minnesota schools.

The seed starter kits give K-12 students hands-on experience growing and planting milkweed and other pollinator-friendly wildflowers. Insect pollinators and monarch butterflies are essential for food production and ecological diversity, but their populations are at risk.

Mississippi Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2025 Mississippi 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 Mississippi the $10,000 award is presented with the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation.

North Dakota Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2025 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.

Environmental Policy Innovation Center Enters New Phase of Addressing Serious Environmental Challenges for US Communities

Sand County Foundation, a Wisconsin-based nonprofit conservation organization, announced the spinoff of the Environmental Policy Innovation Center (EPIC) after an 8-year incubation period. The move marks a significant milestone in both organizations’ shared commitment to advancing conservation and environmental improvement nationwide.

Over the course of Sand County Foundation’s fiscal sponsorship of EPIC, it provided administrative and operational support until EPIC could establish itself as an independent and impactful 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Sand County Foundation has a long track record of similar fiscal sponsorships.

Utah Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2025 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.

Illinois Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2025 Illinois 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 Illinois the award is presented with IL Corn and the Illinois Soybean Association.

New Mexico Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2025 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.

The nomination deadline is May 15, 2025. 

Carolinas Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2025 Carolinas 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 North Carolina and South Carolina the award is presented with Carolina Farm Trust.

Troy Firth Receives Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award

Troy Firth of Spartansburg has been selected as the 2024 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.

Firth, who owns and operates Firth Maple Products, was revealed as the award recipient at the Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg on January 6.

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

High School Conservation Curriculum Launched in Alabama’s Wiregrass Region

Sand County Foundation, a national nonprofit conservation organization, has selected three high schools in Alabama’s Wiregrass region to receive a pollinator habitat education grant in 2025.

South Dale Middle School in the Dale County School District, Crenshaw County Schools’ Career Academy, and New Brockton High School in the Coffee County School District will receive science curriculum and $500 to create native plant habitat for imperiled pollinators.

Over two years, students will engage in hands-on experiences in habitat restoration with a goal of inspiring students about careers in conservation.

Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2025 Kentucky 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 Kentucky, the $10,000 award is presented with the Kentucky Agricultural Council and Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts.

Award nominations may be submitted on behalf of a landowner, or landowners may nominate themselves. The nomination form can be found at www.sandcountyfoundation.org/ApplyLCA.

The nomination deadline date is March 31, 2025. Nominations must be emailed to KentuckyLCA@sandcountyfoundation.org.