March brings momentum as planning turns into action!

Happy first day of spring from the team at Mesa Conservation District! As winter begins to give way to early signs of spring across the Western Slope, many producers are moving from preparation into action and early-season implementation. March is a key time to begin field readiness, fine-tune irrigation systems, and continue engaging in educational opportunities that support soil health, water efficiency, and long-term agricultural resilience.

At Mesa Conservation District, we are grateful to continue working alongside our community as the season shifts. This time of year highlights the value of collaboration, applied knowledge, and proactive stewardship. Together, we look ahead to the growing season with a strong focus on conservation, innovation, and supporting the producers and landowners who care for our shared land and water resources.

Joely Anysz - Mesa CD District Manager

2026 Annual Landowner Meeting and Local Work Group

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Annual Landowner Meeting and Local Work Group on Wednesday, March 18. It was an evening of reflection and forward-looking discussion as we highlighted our 2025 accomplishments and shared priorities for 2026. A special thank you to Brian Domonkos, NRCS Snow Survey Supervisor, for his informative presentation on the 2026 snowpack and hydrology outlook.

Noxious Weed Management Cost-Share Program

MCD is now accepting applications for its 2026 Noxious Weed Cost Share Program. MCD has been awarded $25,500 to provide 50/50 cost-share reimbursements to support landowners and irrigation ditch users in implementing effective noxious weed management practices. Funding for this program is made possible through the Colorado State Conservation Board and the Colorado Association of Conservation Districts, whose support allows MCD to expand access to technical and financial assistance for local producers and land stewards.

Want to apply for the Cost Share Program? Learn more about our program, how to apply, and find resources from Mesa County Noxious Weed & Pest Management, RiversEdge West, and MCD by clicking the button below!

Mesa Conservation District Launches 2nd Annual Colorado Master Irrigator Program

Mesa Conservation District concluded its second annual Delta-Mesa Colorado Master Irrigator program this February! Our program brought together 24 water and technology experts and 26 fellow producers to share their invaluable knowledge with our 25 participants.

Congratulations to our 2 Master-Master Irrigator competition winners, Estes Ward from Delta CD and Ross Mittelman of Mesa CD! We are ecstatic to see their innovative irrigation thinking in practice!

One last thank you to our sponsors and program advisory committee members! We would not have been able to do this without your support!

Want to know more information about the Grand Valley Water Committee Resource Hub?

This new, wide-ranging resource hub has information about irrigation efficiency, water conservation, soil amendments, urban agriculture, financial information, and so much more! This is just the beginning! To view the Resource Hub and to submit your business or resource you would like highlighted, click the button below!

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

We appreciate you taking the time to read our newsletter! Below please find links to upcoming events. To be clear, not all these events are hosted by or sponsored by Mesa Conservation District. Whenever possible events will contain links to the appropriate contact to learn more or to register/RSVP.

One of the main goals of Mesa CD is to help spread the word about all the great opportunities to learn from so many great organizations!

You can find more events on our webpage on our regularly updated calendar:

Farm and Ranch Day at Fruita Co-Op - March 28th

Join Mesa Conservation District on March 28th from 9 am - 3 pm at the Fruita Farm and Ranch Day at the Fruita Co-Op (1650 Highway 6 and 50, Fruita, CO)! We will have a raffle and a hands-on activity for the kids! Raffle prizes include:

• Hat and Wild Rag from VanWinkle Ranch

• Peach gift certificate to Mosher-Talley Orchards

• $150 digital gift certificate for Happy Hive Farm for pasture-raised products

• $20 gift card to Blaine’s Family Store

• Crochet Colorado hookless cactus

Fundamentals of Composting

Join BioReGenesis for a free Fundamentals of Composting class on March 28th from 1pm-2:30pm. This course will discuss the fundamental principles of making compost, including static pile and Johnson-Su style composting! This class will be taking place outdoors. Please come prepared with what you may need to be comfortable.

Ruth Powell Hutchins Water Center Upcoming Events

Join the Ruth Powell Hutchins Water Center for its spring seminar series. Join on March 25th to hear from Ducks Unlimited to learn more about the Grand Valley Audubon: Wetlands for Waterfowl and Endangered Fish. Additionally, join the seminar on April 1st to hear from Hannah Holm about Building Wildfire Resilience on the Grand Mesa.

Finally, join the water center for their 3-night Water 101 Course. Join on April 7th for the Colorado River District’s State of the River presentation, April 16th and 23rd for a 2-part series on Understanding Water in a World of Climate Extremes. This course is designed to strengthen foundational knowledge across key areas of the water sector. Each session is led by experienced practitioners and subject matter experts with deep regional and technical expertise within the Colorado River Basin.

Click the button below to learn more about the Ruth Powell Hutchins Water Center’s events!

Support MCD Today!

There are two simple and impactful ways you can help MCD protect and conserve our priceless natural resources!

• Give Directly – Your donation makes a lasting impact. Every contribution—big or small—strengthens our programs that conserve natural resources and safeguard the land for future generations.

• Shop with Purpose – MCD is part of the City Market Community Rewards Program! By linking your City Market card to MCD (organization number BH872), you support local conservation efforts every time you shop—at no cost to you. Your purchases will directly benefit MCD without affecting your fuel points, discounts, or other rewards. Sign up today at City Market Community Rewards

Thank you for your consideration and support!