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In 2007, the Benton SWCD assisted the Foley Cub Scouts with earning their forestry badge, as well as donating 100 tree seedlings for the Cub Scouts to learn how to plant trees.
Benton SWCD Education Activities


  • 2008 Foley Fun Days - 60th Anniversary
    The Benton SWCD celebrated it's 60th Anniversary by participating in the 2008 Foley Fun Days Parade. The Benton SWCD began in 1948 to protect and enhance Benton County's soil, water, and other natural resources; to nurture a conservation ethic by educating county residents on conservation and environmental issues.

    Pictured left: (back row) Tiffany Determan, Katie Evans, and , (middle row) Pam Kuhn and Annie Felix, (front row) , Kayla Boehmke, Carter Kuhn, and Erik Riedeman.

    Volunteers not pictured include Mike McMillin, Barb Zeroth, Katelyn Zeroth, Connor Kuhn and Tracy Riedeman.

    The Benton SWCD pulled a tree planter, which was donated to the District from the Rice Sportsmen's Club, and the PLOTMASTER and trailer, which was donated by the Rice Area Sportsmen's Club, the Benton/Mille Lacs Chapter of Pheasants Forever, and the Benton Chapter of the Wild Turkey Federation.

    Native seed packets were donated by Prairie Restorations Inc. of Princeton and were handed out during the parade.

    The 4-wheelers used in the parade were donated for use by the Honda House of St. Cloud, and the trees were donated for use by Pete and Karen Svihel of Foley.


    • 2007 Benton SWCD Tour of Practices
    The 2007 Benton SWCD Tour of Practices focused on practices that improve water quality. Practices showcased included prescribed grazing plans, irrigation water management, irrigation pivot conversion, grassed waterways, wetland restorations, nutrient management, residue management, and more.

    As part of the 2007 Tour of Practices, attendees were also shown how the Benton SWCD collects water data for the Little Rock Creek TMDL Study. Annie Felix, SWCD Water Plan Technician, is shown here presenting the different materials that are used to collect water data.


  • Environmental Education Days
    The Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge hosts Environmental Education Days for local 5th grade students to attend and listen to presentations regarding ground water, soil, wildlife, fire safety, and more. The Benton SWCD and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) have participated in teaching local students at this event.

    Pat Gehling, NRCS District Conservationist, is shown here teaching students about soils and effects of wind and water erosion.



    • Senior & Junior Envirothon
    The Minnesota Association of Conservation District Employees (MACDE) of Area IV sponsors the Senior (grades 9-12) and Junior (middle school) Envirothons. Students work in teams and visit 5-6 learning stations and answer 20 questions at each station.


    For more information about the Senior or Junior Envirothons, or information regarding registering, please contact the Benton SWCD (320) 968-5300 Ext. 3.



           The 2006 Envirothon Foley Team is pictured.