Conservation education is important to teach people of all ages, in both rural and urban areas, to appreciate the country’s natural resources and learn to conserve those resources for future generations. Through conservation education, people develop the skills necessary to understand the complexities of natural resource problems. Sherburne SWCD provides education and outreach to both youth and adults through classroom presentations, workshops and field days.

volunteer opportunities

Sherburne SWCD is always looking for individuals and groups interested in volunteering to assist with projects. If you have an interest in natural resources, conservation, or just spending a few sunny days outdoors, we would love to have you join our team of volunteers. The roles of volunteers vary according to project needs.  Contact the SWCD for upcoming volunteer opportunities.  

Schools and organizations

SWCD staff are available to assist teachers preparing lessons on topics including sustainable land use, watershed management, forestry, surface water quality, and ground water protection. Upon request, staff may also attend your class or youth group discussion on these topics. Presentations are also available for groups such as 4-H clubs, scout troops, civic groups and other organizations. Some topics include water quality, recycling, composting and backyard conservation. 

workshops

The SWCD hosts various workshops throughout the year to help educate Sherburne County residents about conservation issues. Please check our calendar or news section on the home page for upcoming events.
If you have any workshops that you would like to see Sherburne SWCD host, please submit your ideas. 
We would love to hear what our local residents want to learn!

conservation corps

Conservation Corps provides meaningful work for young people in managing natural resources, responding to disasters, conserving energy and leading volunteers. We provide training in resource management, safety, job-readiness and technical skills, and we help young people develop personal responsibility, a strong work ethic and greater awareness of environmental stewardship. For the past 5 years, Sherburne SWCD has been partnering with Conservation Corps to aid with various SWCD field work. The assistance the Corp members have provided has been extremely valuable! To find out more about the Conservation Crops Program Click Here

boyscout planting

The Sherburne SWCD has partnered with the area Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts to plant trees in designated community parks each spring since 2009. Resource Conservationist, Gina Hugo, provides a tree planting demonstration to the Boy Scouts and community volunteers before the planting. Children and adults then work together to dig holes, tamp soil, and deliver water to the freshly set seedlings. It has become a very fun and successful event with over 350 trees planted in 2015. To learn more about this program or how your scout troop can participate, please contact our office at 763-241-1170 x 4.

watershed cleanup

There’s no better time to get involved in some good clean fun than at the Elk River Watershed Cleanup!
Since 2008 the Sherburne has removed over 3,500 pounds of trash from the Mississippi River with the help of volunteers like you. Let's make this year the largest cleanup event yet! Each year dedicated volunteers at three cleanup sites work to restore the beauty and integrity of our area. For information on how to volunteer or sponsor the event contact our office at 763-241-1170 x 4.

farm friends barn

Sherburne SWCD has partnered with Farm Friends Barn to work towards providing an agricultural education exhibit for kids.  Children become farm hands at this hands-on exhibit as they experience the agricultural process beginning at the farm and ending at the market. This mock agricultural adventure will consist of a series of livestock barns, a grain bin, a tractor dealer, garden plots, an apple orchard, and a farmers market.  The experience staff directs and explains what happens to food from a starting point to the last step in the process at the grocery store.
To learn more about the Farm Friends Barn exhibit, please click here.

Sherburne Soil and Water Conservation District
Sherburneswcd.org     763-220-3434     425 Jackson Ave. NW     Elk River, MN 55330
Open Monday - Friday  8:00 - 4:00, by appointment       Closed on Federal Holidays