Jul 07, 2025
Sand County Foundation has announced the recipients of its Farmer-Led Fund for Watershed Improvement.
The Wisconsin-based national nonprofit conservation organization is awarding $680,000 to nine farmer-led groups throughout Wisconsin to fund locally designed incentives and technical assistance for farmers within select watersheds.
Read MoreJul 02, 2025
Two finalists have been selected for the 2025 Kansas 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 Kansas the $10,000 award is presented with Kansas Association of Conservation Districts and Ranchland Trust of Kansas.
Read MoreJun 18, 2025
Four farm families have been selected as finalists for New York's AEM-Leopold Conservation Award.
The award honors farmers and forestland owners, along with their nominating Soil and Water Conservation District who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land.
Read MoreJun 02, 2025
Three finalists have been selected for the 2025 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.
Read MoreMay 13, 2025
Three finalists have been selected 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.
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.
Read MoreMay 13, 2025
Rod Snyder of West Virginia has joined the board of directors of the Sand County Foundation, a national nonprofit working at the intersection of agriculture and environmental improvement.
Snyder is a principal and founder of Junction Strategies, a consulting firm specializing in agriculture, climate, and environmental policy, as well as supply chain sustainability initiatives.
Read MoreMay 12, 2025
Bob Perschel of Massachusetts has joined the board of directors of the Sand County Foundation, a national nonprofit working at the intersection of agriculture and environmental improvement.
Perschel is a distinguished leader in forest conservation and environmental management. He served as the New England Forestry Foundation’s Executive Director where he oversaw initiatives aimed at preserving and managing forest lands, ensuring sustainable practices, and protecting critical forest habitats.
Read MoreMay 05, 2025
The Boggy Slough Conservation Area along the Neches River is the recipient of the 2025 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 T.L.L. Temple Foundation will be presented with the award at the Lone Star Steward Awards Dinner on May 21 in Austin. They receive $10,000 for being selected and to further their stewardship of the property.
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.
Read MoreApr 22, 2025
Diamond Bar Ranch is the recipient of the 2025 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.
Robert and Susanne Jones raise beef cattle and own the 22,000-acre Diamond Bar Ranch in Logan County. The Joneses will be presented with $10,000 and a crystal 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, and the Nebraska Environmental Trust.
Read MoreApr 21, 2025
Stomprud Angus Ranch of Mud Butte has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award®.
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.
Larry and Eileen Stomprud own and operate Stomprud Angus Ranch in western South Dakota with their son Jay, and his wife Jennifer, and their grandchildren: Elijah, Kaira, and Joshua.
Read MoreApr 21, 2025
Wagon Wheel Ranch of Yuma has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 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.
The Kenny and Jody Rogers family are cattle ranchers and owners of Wagon Wheel Ranch in Yuma and Washington counties. 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.
Read MoreMar 26, 2025
Two cattle ranches have been selected as finalists for the 2025 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, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, American AgCredit, CoBank, Farm Credit of Southern Colorado, and Premier Farm Credit.
Read MoreMar 19, 2025
“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.
Read MoreMar 18, 2025
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.
Read MoreMar 04, 2025
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.
Read MoreFeb 24, 2025
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.
Read MoreFeb 24, 2025
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.
Read MoreFeb 21, 2025
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.
Read MoreFeb 18, 2025
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.
Read MoreFeb 17, 2025
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
Read MoreFeb 13, 2025
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.
Read MoreFeb 12, 2025
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.
Read MoreFeb 10, 2025
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.
Read MoreFeb 10, 2025
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.
Read MoreFeb 06, 2025
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.
Read MoreFeb 05, 2025
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.
Read MoreFeb 04, 2025
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.
Read MoreFeb 04, 2025
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.
Read MoreFeb 04, 2025
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.
Read MoreFeb 03, 2025
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.
Read MoreFeb 03, 2025
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.
Read MoreFeb 03, 2025
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.
Read MoreJan 28, 2025
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.
Read MoreJan 24, 2025
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.
Read MoreJan 21, 2025
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.
Read MoreJan 17, 2025
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.
Read MoreJan 14, 2025
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 has been extended to June 15, 2025.
Read MoreJan 09, 2025
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.
Read MoreJan 06, 2025
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.
Read MoreJan 03, 2025
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.
Read MoreJan 02, 2025
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.