MENARD COUNTY
Soil and Water Conservation District #215
106 Bevans Street P O Box 665 Menard, TX 76859
325-396-4708 ext 5 menardcounty@swcd.texas.gov
Menard County SWCD #215 is committed to maintaining the water quality
of the San Saba River
and its tributaries in Menard County
NOTICE:
The Menard County SWCD Office and
NRCS Field Office
are now open.
No appointment needed.
Stop by or call 325-396-4708 for information regarding our services, products and programs.
MCSWCD Board Meetings:
Dates and Agendas
Can you identify these MCSWCD Directors?
Do you know the year this picture was taken?
Click here for the answers.
FORKED LIGHTNING RANCH
RECOGNIZED AS A MENARD COUNTY HERITAGE RANCH
The Menard County Soil and Water Conservation District recognized Forked Lightning Ranch as a Menard County Heritage Ranch. Forked Lightning Ranch was honored for their long history of ranching achievements and implementing conservation practices to manage the land and preserve it for future generations. The MCSWCD Board congratulates the Clark and Kothmann families for being fine stewards of the land.
A gate sign is presented to Forked Lightning Ranch. Pictured above, left to right: MCSWCD Director J. W. Jennings, Jo Clark, Dandy Clark Kothmann, Curtis Kothmann and MCSWCD Director Billy Kniffen.
Forked LIghtning Ranch was honored as a Menard County Heritage Ranch by MCSWCD. Pictured are recipients Curtis Kothmann, Dandy Clark Kothmann and Jo Clark.
WINTER SWEEPS ACROSS MENARD COUNTY
Despite the harsh conditions, farmers and ranchers welcomed the much-needed moisture
![ICED RANCH ROAD OVER THE RIVER FEB 2022 IMG_3233[121510].JPG](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b43bc1_6378b044615c441b8c91d0c02aa3b1c9~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_328,h_437,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/ICED%20RANCH%20ROAD%20OVER%20THE%20RIVER%20FEB%202022%20IMG_3233%5B121510%5D_JPG.jpg)
![COW AND CALF AT BROKEN ICE WATER TROUGH FEB 2022 IMG_3239[121509].JPG](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b43bc1_6c1dea46a6004fcc9695f59e8057e95c~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_328,h_437,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/COW%20AND%20CALF%20AT%20BROKEN%20ICE%20WATER%20TROUGH%20FEB%202022%20IMG_3239%5B121509%5D_JPG.jpg)
![COWS IN PASTURE FEB 2022 IMG_3237[121511].JPG](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b43bc1_5bc23e5395314f68ba296b40079c1494~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_337,h_449,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/COWS%20IN%20PASTURE%20FEB%202022%20IMG_3237%5B121511%5D_JPG.jpg)
Ice and snow decorated the banks of the San Saba River (pictured, left) during the February 2022 cold spell. The severe cold snap had ranchers and farmers working hard in cold, icy conditions, trying to keep livestock fed and watered. Wildlife also depends on these sources for drinking water.
This beautiful bluebonnet painting was presented to Menard County SWCD by Alexus Aguirre. The talented Menard student painted the picture in appreciation for MCSWCD sponsoring her as the 2019 State Essay Contest winner.
Retired MCSWCD Manager Charlotte Albrecht snapped this picture of migrating Monarch butterflies at her home in Menard this fall. "The Monarchs were all over the trees and cow pen daisies in my yard," Charlotte said.
High School Conservation Program
held November 16, 2021
. . . READ FULL STORY AND SEE MORE PICS
Annual CEU Range Workshop
held October 6, 2021
. . . READ FULL STORY AND SEE MORE PICS
Fourth and Fifth Grade
Conservation Field Day
held September 8, 2021
. . . READ FULL STORY AND SEE MORE PICS
Teacher Appreciation
Luncheon
held August 10, 2021
. . . READ FULL STORY AND SEE MORE PICS
NEW!
FARM LIABILITY SIGNS
For Property Entrances
and Work Pens
. . . See ordering details and
other info
MCSWCD RANGE WORKSHOPS
ACTIVITIES OF MCSWCD
activities, programs and grants available to students to attend agricultural and conservation workshops.
MENARD COUNTY SWCD PROVIDES TWO SCHOLARSHIPS TO YOUTH RANGE WORKSHOP
MCSWCD provided scholarships to Houston Hayes of Menard and Colton Flage of San Angelo, to attend the annual TSSRM Youth Range Workshop held June 20 - 25, 2021 at Texas Tech University Center in Junction.
MCSWCD also helped provide a meal for YRW participants and staff.
Houston Hayes, left, of Menard, and
Colton Flage, right, of San Angelo
2021 Conservation Poster and Essay
Contest Winners
See more pics of all winners
and view or print complete list of winners
2021 Overall Conservation Poster Winners
Left to right: Tami Russell, Menard Water District Manager; Isabelle Devine, 3rd place; Benjamin Burch, 2nd place; Kade Bannowsky, 1st place and Billy Kniffen, MCSWCD Director.
2021 Overall Conservation Essay Winners
Left to right: Tami Russell, Menard Water District Manager; Colby Powell, 3rd place; Jaegar Leonard, 2nd place; Aspen Hutchison, 1st place and Billy Kniffen, MCSWCD Director.
DR. JAKE LANDERS RECEIVES 2020 FRIEND OF CONSERVATION AWARD
Dr. Jake Landers was selected as Menard County SWCD’s Friend of Conservation.
This honor is given to someone who promotes conservation in the community, county and state. Jake does all of that by being involved in any event that includes learning a little or a lot about conservation. Menard County SWCD #215 is proud to have Jake represent us as our Friend of Conservation. Thank you Dr. Landers for sharing your time, effort and knowledge with all of us.
Read more about
Dr. Landers' award-winning
accomplishments
Dr. Jake Landers (right) receives a commemorative plaque and MCSWCD gate sign in recognition of his selection as Menard County SWCD's 2020 Friend of Conservation. Presenting the awards is MCSWCD Director Billy Kniffen (left). Dr. Landers was also recognized as the winner of the Area II Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board and Association of Texas SWCDs annual contest. Read more . . .
WYATT TERRELL WINS STATEWIDE
2020 CONSERVATION ESSAY CONTEST
Wyatt Terrell was selected as the winner of Menard County SWCD's annual essay contest in the 13 years and under division.
Wyatt's essay also won first place in the Area II competition.
Wyatt went on to win the Statewide Essay Contest Award in the Junior Division. His win was announced during the Virtual Annual Meeting of Texas SWCD Directors in October 2020.
Read more about
Wyatt's Area II essay win
Wyatt Terrell (above, right) receives a commemorative plaque from MCSWCD Director Billy Kniffen (left). Wyatt won first place in the annual local conservation essay contest and was also selected as the Area II Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board and Association of Texas SWCDs winner. Read more . . .
MISD student Wyatt Terrell (center) receives a plaque as the State Conservation Essay Award winner. Wyatt accepts his commemorative plaque from MCSWCD Directors Benny Fred Kothmann (left) and Billy Kniffen (right).
MCSWCD SPONSORS RANCH BRIGADE CADET
MCSWCD provided a scholarship for Colton Flage to attend the 5-day Ranch Brigade camp this summer.
Read more about
Colton Flage and the
2020 Ranch Brigade camp
Pictured: Colton Flage grills at the 2020 Ranch Brigade camp where cadets learned about sustainable beef production and other ag-related topics.
Menard County Prescribed Burn Association Holds Workshop and Demonstration
Menard County SWCD supports the efforts of MCPBA in training, education and good range management practices which benefit our county.
The Menard County Prescribed Burn Association, a chapter of Edwards Plateau Prescribed Burning Association, held a workshop on January 29, 2020 at the Murchison-Whitehead complex.
Burn equipment, safety measures and techniques for managing prescribed burns were discussed. Favorable weather conditions allowed a prescribed burn demonstration.
Prescribed burns can replace soil nutrients, manage small brush, encourage grass growth and provide other benefits.
Menard County AgriLife Extension and Menard County Prescribed Burn Association sponsored the workshop.
Menard County SWCD #215
Recognized for 75 Years of Service
Menard County SWCD was recognized for 75 years of service at the 79th Annual Meeting of SWCD Directors October 28-30, 2019 at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort in San Antonio, TX. Left to right: David Basinger, Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB) Director, Area IV; Marty Graham, TSSWCB Director, Area II; J. W. Jennings, MCSWCD Chairman, Zone 4; Chris Casaday, NRCS District Conservationist, Menard Field Office; Charlotte Albrecht, MCSWCD Business Manager and Jose Dodier, Jr. TSSWCB Director, Area III.
In 1943 area producers worked on a conservation plan that had to be approved before the district could become an official SCD (Soil Conservation District). The official formation papers for Menard County SCD were signed on March 15, 1944.
The first District Board Members were H.H. Mears, Chairman; John M.Treadwell, Vice Chairman; Roy Benson, Secretary/Treasurer; Max Ficker Jr., Member; and O.C. Jones, Member; assisting Conservationist was Mr. Lumm.
Some of the first practices were brush work, terracing, cover crops (Hubam clover), closed terrace, pitting, diversions, decreased stocking rates and improved irrigation practices.
The District’s goals are still the same. To improve the soil health, soil productivity and thus increase soil water retention. More information as it is uncovered, discovered, or recovered.
Read more about Menard County SWCD's 75 years as a conservation and agricultural leader
MEET MENARD COUNTY'S AWARD WINNING CONSERVATIONISTS
The annual Texas Conservation Awards Program is sponsored by the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB) and the Association of Texas SWCDs (ATSWCD). Texas' 216 SWCDs are encouraged to participate in the program, which recognizes conservationists in a variety of categories, "to acknowledge, recognize and honor those who dedicate themselves and their talents to the conservation and wise use of our renewable natural resources".
2020 Area II Friend of Conservation Winner
Dr. Jake Landers
![JAKE LANDERS 28 Jake with orchid[14829].](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b43bc1_71fc8e26f386405fb6fcf9eeb9195dc8~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_375,h_480,al_c,q_80,enc_auto/JAKE%20LANDERS%2028%20Jake%20with%20orchid%5B14829%5D_.jpg)
Dr. Jake Landers was selected as the Area II Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Districts’ Friend of Conservation. There are 42 Districts in Area II. Menard County SWCD selected Jake as their candidate for Area II Friend of Conservation based on his conservation contributions to our community.
He gives conservation advice to every person and organization as often as asked. Jake helped organize the Youth Range Camp and has used his ranch as a teaching tool for the camp for 23 years.
He coaches the Junior grass judging teams, holds impromptu plant identification sessions, supports and attends as many community and county events as possible.
Jake is a full time supporter of 4-H and Jr. Master Gardeners. He is an endless fount of valuable information on prescribed burning, native plants and anything dealing with conservation.
Congratulations Dr. Jake Landers.
You are so appreciated for all you do!
2020 Conservation Essay Contest
13 Years and Under Division
Wyatt Terrell
Winner of the Local, Area II and Statewide Award
Wyatt Terrell’s conservation essay in the 13 years and under division placed first over all in the Menard County Soil and Water Conservation District competition.
First and second over all posters, 13 and under over all essays and 14 to 18 over all essays are sent to Area II competition.
Area II is comprised of 42 Soil and Water Conservation Districts. Each of the Districts may send their top 2 in each category to Area II competition.
Wyatt's essay won at the Area II level and was then entered in the Texas State Conservation Board's state competition. Only first place area winners can compete for state. State competition is comprised of 5 Areas, so his essay competed against 4 others.
Wyatt won the state competition!
We are so proud of you Wyatt!
Congratulations from the Menard County Soil and Water Conservation District.
. . . See more pictures of Wyatt and read more about the annual poster and essay contests
![Wyatt Terrell A2[14827].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b43bc1_031920817cf149d280c54bbb9083e0ad~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_416,h_551,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Wyatt%20Terrell%20A2%5B14827%5D.jpg)
Click Here For Complete List of All MCSWCD
2020 Poster and Essay Contest Winners
2019 Texas Essay Winner,
14-18 Years Old Division
Lexus Aguirre
See state presentation pic and read more . . .
2018 Texas Conservation
Teacher of the Year
Mary Kniffen
See state presentation pic and read more . . .
Please Support our Sponsors!
If you would like to be a Menard County SWCD sponsor, please contact us:
Phone: 325-396-4708
Email: menardcounty@swcd.texas.gov
NEW!
