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Education and Outreach

A conservation ethic is promoted through the education of present and future generations of land users.
Lac qui Parle SWCD has a long history of education activities.  
SWCD Staff can provide presentations to local schools and civic organizations.  Contact Maria or anyone at the SWCD to see if the SWCD can assist you with your education needs.

2023 Lac qui Parle - Yellow Bank Watershed Outdoor Youth Summer Recreation & Education Series-CLICK HERE

Southwest Minnesota Environmental Fair

​The Environmental Fair is a learning event in the “outdoor classroom” for fifth and sixth grade students from a 11-county area in Southwestern Minnesota.  The annual event is organized by area SWCD staff and held in September at varying fairgrounds as centrally located in the area as possible.

 The Environmental Fair provides a unique, interactive learning experience for students to understand the importance of our resources and realize that what people do affects all aspects of the environment. Using new techniques, presenters and ideas, the Fair reinforces or adds to knowledge the students receive in their classrooms.

The Environmental Fair is made possible through support from the participating soil and water districts, partnering agencies, as well as local businesses and organizations in the 11-county area.  Educators from the Science Museum of Minnesota, Minnesota Zoo, Prairie Ecology Bus Center, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Counties, University  of Minnesota Extension, Department of Natural Resources and Natural Resources Conservation Service help make this event successful.

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THE ENVIRONMENTAL FAIR IS BACK FOR 2023!! Click HERE for details.

Outstanding Conservationist

dan alex kellen 2022

Each year the SWCD recognizes a producer and their family for their work to conserve and preserve our natural resources.  The Lac qui Parle SWCD is proud to recognize Dan and Alex Kellen as the 2022 Outstanding Conservationist.  They truly exemplify what it means to be an Outstanding Conservationist.  Thank you Dan & Alex for your work to protect our natural resources.

Past Award Winners

2022 - Dan & Alex Kellen

2019 - Luke and Ali Peterson
2017 - Ed and Dawn Hegland

2016 - Rodney and Pam Weber, Rosemary Weber

2015 - Jeff and Mary Olson

2014 - Mike and Rachel Croatt

2013 - Lac qui Parle County Chapter of Pheasants Forever

2012 - Curtin Melby and Bruce Melby

2011 - Joe, Glen, and Paul Rademacher

2010 - Charles and Ihla Thomson & Dennis and Janell Thomson

2009 - Stan, Todd, and Tim Patzer

2008 - Jim and Denise Conner and Family

2007 - Jerry and Lavonne Schuelke

2006 - John and Mari Plathe

2005 - Mary Homan

2004 - Alan and Joan Mork

2003 - Vale and Lois Roggenbuck

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