Board of Supervisors- From Left to right- Francis Kelsey, Treasurer; Wayne Lukert, Member; Daryl Mellard, Vice Chairman; Angela Dake, Chairperson; Mark Stafford, Member

Our Mission
To empower our community to protect, preserve, and enhance the natural resources of Shawnee County through education, technical and financial assistance, collaborative partnerships, and responsible stewardship—now and for future generations.
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Guiding Principles

• Emphasize continuous learning, active participation, teamwork, and communication.
• Maintain strong relationships with NRCS and partner agencies.
• Focus on mission‑driven decision‑making, transparency, and community engagement.
• Evaluate progress toward goals and adjust strategies as needed.
• Financial assistance, collaborative partnerships, and responsible stewardship—now and for future generations.​

About Us
Established in 1954, the Shawnee County Conservation District is a subdivision of Kansas state government committed to conserving and enhancing our county’s natural resources. Our work supports the long‑term health of soil, water, air, plants, and wildlife while balancing the needs of people and agriculture. Severe soil erosion during the Dust Bowl led to the Kansas Legislature passing the Conservation District Law in 1937, paving the way for conservation districts across the state. Today, we continue that legacy through voluntary programs focused on resource conservation, education, planning, and technical assistance. We partner closely with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Kansas Department of Agriculture – Division of Conservation, and other agencies, and receive support from the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD).

​What we do:
We provide a wide range of programs, resources, and support to help landowners, producers, and the community implement effective conservation practices.

• Technical & Program Assistance
• Technical assistance to address natural resource concerns
• Guidance on conservation planning and practice implementation
• Access to financial assistance for voluntary conservation practices

Equipment & Resources

• No-till drill rentals and drip torch use
• Custom-blended seed orders, including:
  • Native grasses
  • Cool-season grasses
  • Pollinator mixes
  • Cover crops
  • Wildlife food plot mixes
• Brome and fescue seed availability
• Conservation contractor referral list

Funding & Conservation Programs

• Aid to Conservation Districts (funding and staffing support)
• Water Resources Cost-Share Program
• Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Program and project support
• Water conservation initiatives (including WTAP, CREP, and irrigation technology programs)
• Riparian and wetland protection program support
• Soil health education and incentive programs
• Watershed dam construction and small lakes programs

Each program includes defined goals, funding opportunities, and implementation guidance to support successful conservation efforts.

Education & Outreach

• Educational programs for schools and community groups
• Soil health training opportunities, including workshops and scholarships
• Youth scholarship programs
• Educator workshops and scholarships for local teachers

​Interactive Learning Tools

• Enviroscapes® models
• Soil tunnels
• Water races
• And other hands-on educational resources

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