Carolinas Leopold Conservation Award Finalists Selected

Four finalists have been selected for the 2026 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.

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 the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 28 states. In the Carolinas, the $10,000 award is presented with North Carolina Soil Health Coalition, and U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service of North Carolina and South Carolina. 

New York AEM-Leopold Conservation Award Finalists Selected

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball announced that three farm families have been selected as finalists for New York’s Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM)-Leopold Conservation Award: Ben Wever Farm (Essex County), Bottomland Farm (Tioga County), and El-Vi Farms LLC (Ontario and Wayne counties). 

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, along with their nominating Soil and Water Conservation District. 

Schools Receive Pollinator Habitat Grants

Sand County Foundation is awarding pollinator habitat grants to eight schools in Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. 

This competitive grant program gives high school agriculture and science students hands-on experience growing native wildflowers and establishing habitat for imperiled insect pollinators and monarch butterflies. 

Grant recipients receive native seeds and seedlings, technical assistance, educational resources, and $500 to support project expenses. 

Statement on the Death of Our Longtime Leader, Dr. Brent Haglund

We are heartbroken to report that our longtime Sand County Foundation President & CEO, Dr. Brent Haglund, has died. Brent led the organization for more than 30 years, retired in 2021, and continued to serve on our board of directors.

“Sand County Foundation would not be the national conservation organization it is today without Brent’s skillful and thoughtful leadership. He was my personal mentor and dear friend who will be deeply missed,” said Sand County Foundation’s Kevin McAleese.

Sally Flis Joins Sand County Foundation Board

Sally Flis, Ph.D. has joined the board of directors of the Sand County Foundation, a national nonprofit working at the intersection of agriculture and environmental improvement. 

Flis is the Director of Sustainable Ag Programs with Nutrien Ag Solutions, a leading global provider of crop inputs and services.

Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award Finalists Selected

Three finalists have been selected for the 2026 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.

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 the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 28 states. In Kentucky, the $10,000 award is presented with Kentucky Agricultural Council and the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts.

Sand County Foundation Launches Learning Cohort for Farmers, Ranchers

Sand County Foundation is launching a peer-based conservation learning cohort program for farmers and ranchers in four Midwestern states. 

The program is free for beginning, first generation, military veterans, and other historically underserved farmers and ranchers in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin. 

“With virtual, on-farm, and in-person offerings, the program is designed to meet participants where they are, building on the national Land Ethic Mentorship network and utilizing the expertise of conservation champions recognized by the Leopold Conservation Award,” said Nikki D’Adamo-Damery, Sand County Foundation’s Conservation Outreach & Equity Director.

Wexford Ranches to Receive Texas Leopold Conservation Award

The Wexford Ranches of South and West Texas are the recipient of the 2026 Texas Leopold Conservation Award®.

Leopold Conservation Awards honor ranchers, farmers, and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land. 

The O’Connor family will be presented with the award at the Lone Star Land Steward Awards Dinner on May 14 in Austin. They will receive $10,000 as part of their selection to further the stewardship of their properties. 

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust will present Leopold Conservation Awards to landowners in 28 states this year. In Texas the award is presented in partnership with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Lone Star Land Steward Awards program. 

Montana Leopold Conservation Award Finalists Selected

Three finalists have been selected for the 2026 Montana 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 the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 28 states. In Montana, the $10,000 award is presented with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, and the Rangeland Resources Program.

Schuler Red Angus Receives Nebraska Leopold Conservation Award

Schuler Red Angus of Bridgeport is the recipient of the 2026 Nebraska 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. 

The Butch and Susan Schuler family raise beef cattle and manage 20,000 acres at Schuler Red Angus in Morrill and Banner counties. The Schulers will be formally presented with the $10,000 award later this year. 

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In Nebraska, the award is presented with Nebraska Cattlemen, Cargill, BASF, and the Nebraska Environmental Trust. 

Darling Creek Ranch to Receive South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award

Dan and Sharon Anderson’s Darling Creek Ranch has been selected as the 2026 South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award® recipient.

The $10,000 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 South Dakota, the award is presented with the South Dakota Grassland Coalition and South Dakota Soil Health Coalition. 

The Dan and Sharon Anderson family owns and operates Darling Creek Ranch, located near Meadow in Perkins County. They will be formally presented with the South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award later this year. 

Eagle Rock Ranch to Receive Colorado Leopold Conservation Award

Eagle Rock Ranch of Park County has been selected as the recipient of 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. 

Dave and Jeannie Gottenborg are cattle ranchers and owners of Eagle Rock Ranch near Jefferson. They will be presented with the award in June at the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association’s Annual Convention. They receive $10,000 for being selected. 

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

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.