This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Dutchess County Soil & Water Conservation District.

In 1928, the Soil Erosion Service was set up by the Department of Interior as a temporary program to look at soil erosion on farmland across the United States. Soon thereafter Congress passed the Soil Conservation Act which established the Soil Conservation Service. The first Soil Conservation District was created and opened in North Carolina. The original intent was to assist farmers with work done on their land, and eventually expanded to having Districts assist not only farmers, but all landowners.

In 1944, a proposal was made to create a District in Dutchess County. This movement was led by State Senator Frederick H. Bontecou; Owen Boyd, Manager of Weathersfield; Mrs. John W. Donaldson of Millbrook, Oakleigh Jauncy, Manager of the Hedge; Kent Leavitt of Millbrook, and Mrs. Huntington McLane. The Dutchess County Soil and Water Conservation District was officially established on January 3rd, 1945, by the County Board of Supervisors.

Today the District provides technical assistance to public and private landowners. Examples of our programs Include assistance with drainage issues, stormwater management and the Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) program which assists farms with meeting business objectives while conserving natural resources, as well many others. Technicians are available for site visits to address resource issues for both private landowners and municipalities. The district also provides many education and outreach programs to youth and adults. District staff regularly attends local events to provide educational material to the public.