By Andi Anderson
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach has introduced the Iowa Conservation Professionals Map, a new online tool designed to help farmers and landowners connect with conservation experts working in their local areas. The resource aims to simplify access to professional guidance for improving soil health, water quality, wildlife habitat, and overall farm sustainability.
Conservation professionals play an important role in helping landowners identify conservation needs, select suitable practices, secure funding opportunities, and oversee project implementation. By making these connections easier, the map encourages greater adoption of conservation practices across Iowa.
According to Catherine DeLong, water quality program manager at ISU Extension and Outreach, strong relationships between farmers and conservation professionals remain critical to successful conservation efforts.
“Research from Iowa State University shows regular contact with a conservation professional is the single strongest factor in whether a farmer adopts new conservation practices,” she said. “We want farmers and landowners to easily connect with conservation professionals so they can take the next step in their conservation journey.”
The map includes professionals from numerous public agencies and nonprofit organizations. Users can find staff from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, counties, cities, agricultural cooperatives, and the Iowa Soybean Association. Many listed professionals work directly with farmers on water quality improvement projects and conservation planning.
Rebekah Jones, manager of strategic communications and initiatives with the Iowa Soybean Association, emphasized the value of collaboration in achieving conservation goals.
“To reach our state’s water quality goals, it takes an entire industry working together,” said Rebekah Jones, manager of strategic communications and initiatives with the Iowa Soybean Association. “Projects like this one ensure that we know where all the helpers are. It’s these farmer-facing staff that make our farmers successful with conservation.”
The interactive platform is simple to use. Farmers and landowners can search by entering an address or selecting a parcel of land directly on the map. The system then displays conservation professionals serving that area, organized from the smallest service region to the largest. Every acre of Iowa is covered by at least one conservation professional, while some areas have access to several specialists.
For example, landowners in Plymouth County can view multiple conservation contacts, including professionals from local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, state agencies, agricultural cooperatives, and the Iowa Soybean Association.
The map also helps users better understand watershed-based conservation efforts occurring throughout the state.
“We provide technical assistance and grant funding to groups interested in protecting their local water bodies,” said Steve Konrady, nonpoint source coordinator with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. “We do this work on a watershed basis, and those boundaries can be subtle without a strong knowledge of Iowa’s landscape and hydrology. This map will help folks find us where we work and also learn a little bit about how many watershed projects are out there helping to improve Iowa’s water resources.”
The project was developed by ISU Extension and Outreach with support from Iowa State University's Geographic Information Systems Support and Research Facility. Funding for the initiative is provided by ISU Extension and Outreach, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the Iowa Soybean Association, The Nature Conservancy, and the Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance.
By making conservation expertise easier to access, the Iowa Conservation Professionals Map supports informed decision-making, stronger conservation partnerships, improved water quality, and sustainable agricultural practices across the state.
Photo Credit: iowa-state-university
Categories: Iowa, Sustainable Agriculture