Barton County Conservation District

Our conservation district is a political subdivision of state government, established in 1948 and charged with the conservation of the natural resources of our county. We provide technical and financial assistance to address resource concerns while providing educational opportunities to create an environmentally literate Kansans.

Our Mission: To promote the conservation of, and education regarding, our natural resources and their importance for all citizens.

Overview: Conservation Districts had their beginning in the 1930’s when Congress, in response to national concerns over mounting erosion and dust storms, enacted the Soil Conservation Act of 1935.

Our conservation district provides technical assistance, financial assistance and educational services related to the conservation of our natural resources to the public free of charge, thanks to our county and state operating funds.  As a grassroots, locally led organization we are dedicated to getting conservation on the ground; conservation that benefits all Kansans by providing cleaner water, more productive soils. 

We are the local source for cost share funding for the installation of best management practices for preserving and improving water quality and soil health. We administer multiple cost share assistance programs which provide economic and environmental benefits direct to our county and all residents. 

Services We Offer:

• Technical assistance for addressing resource concerns.
• Financial assistance for implementing voluntary conservation practices.
• Educational programs for schools and community groups.
• Custom blended seed orders including native grass, cool season grass, pollinator mixes, cover crops, and food plot mixes. Brome and fescue also available.
• Marking flags for sale for agriculture uses ($15 for 100) such as marking gardens, seedling plantings, field work layout, etc.
• Conservation contractors list for services
• Soil Health training opportunities (workshops and scholarships)
• Youth scholarship opportunities
• Educator workshops and scholarships for related workshop fees for local teachers

Equipment For Rent:

2 - 10 ft. Great Plains Grass Drills ( Barton County and adjacent counties) 

Photos & Videos

Kids Ag Day for Barton County, Careers in Ag game, September, 2022.

January 2023, Grass Drill Workshop in Barton County.

Tim Maier, Barton County farmer, talks about his results from cover cropping.

Building a lasgna bed at the Victory Garden of Barton County peoples garden initiative.

Victory Garden volunteers.

Earth Day at Hoisington Elementary.