In 2023, the James River Soil Conservation District (SCD) in Dickey County, North Dakota, hosted a variety of educational programs for children and adults with help from the Friends of NACD Grant program. With this grant they were able to increase awareness of natural resource conservation, showcase native flora and fauna to local urban communities, and introduce the community to their recently acquired natural resource and agricultural education property.

Equipped with district-provided “Explorer Packs,” including bird identification books, magnifying glasses, compasses, butterfly nets, binoculars, notebooks, and writing materials, community members of all ages were able to maximize summertime, self-led education while visiting the district’s property. A 3-day educational workshop series was also hosted by the district for children to discover the varying butterflies, bees, trees, native plants and grasses, and other wildlife across the property. Several classes from local schools held themed field trips to the farm, putting the “Explore Packs” to great use. These learning kits will continue to be utilized for further educational purposes with all age groups.

The second focus of the grant’s community education goals was the adult audience in the James River SCD territory. Per popular demand, a rain barrel workshop was held for community members, the first of its kind in the county. Along with receiving education on water conservation at the home/yard scale, participants equipped a 55-gallon rain barrel with all the appropriate components needed for their homes. The district has since received several requests to host this workshop again, and dates are already set for the 2024 season!

Several walking tours focused on native trees and flowering plants were also held for various groups. These were well attended, and promotional material was created for self-guided tours open to the community. This programming served to initiate community engagement with the James River SCD education farm, resulting in a great deal of local support and learning opportunities for the public. Individuals who attended events over the summer appreciated the facility, information, and district efforts in caring for the property, and many returned for additional visits to bring other friends and family.

James River SCD plans to continue generating excitement for learning about the environment throughout Dickey County, and seasonal programs for next year are already being planned. New features of the property will be introduced to the community, and we will continue to partner and network with schools and organizations in southeast North Dakota to carry out and promote the district’s resource conservation mission.

Our recommendation to other districts thinking about applying for the Friends of NACD District Grants program: “Just try it! All districts have to same goal – to serve their communities’ needs and foster stewardship of natural resources. Don’t ever feel like your project or county is too small or insignificant to make a difference!”