February brings momentum as planning turns into action!

Happy February 2026 from the team at Mesa Conservation District! As winter continues across the Western Slope, many producers are shifting from reflection into preparation and early-season decision-making. February is a time to finalize crop plans, prepare irrigation systems, and take advantage of educational opportunities that support soil health, water efficiency, and long-term agricultural resilience ahead of spring.

At Mesa Conservation District, we are grateful to continue working alongside our community as the year gains momentum. This time of year highlights the strength of collaboration, technical learning, and forward-thinking stewardship. Together, we look ahead to the growing season with renewed focus on conservation, innovation, and supporting the producers and landowners who care for our land and water resources.

Joely Anysz - Mesa CD District Manager

The 2025 Mesa Conservation District Annual Report is now available! To view the annual report, please click the button below! Thank you to all of our program sponsors, partners, and supporters in 2025!

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. To launch this program, on January 27th, MCD hosted an educational landowner workshop to inform landowners of noxious weed management strategies and of the 50/50 cost share!

Missed the workshop? Want to apply for the Cost Share Program? Learn more about our program, how to apply, and find all presentations from Mesa Co 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 proudly launched its second annual Delta-Mesa Colorado Master Irrigator Program in February. This year, 25 participants from the Delta and Mesa Conservation Districts have come together to expand their knowledge of efficient irrigation practices.

Producers who complete the full program will receive a $2,000 stipend in recognition of their commitment. In addition, participants may apply for the “Master-Master” Irrigator competition, which awards $7,500 in funding to support the implementation of an irrigation improvement project. Stay tuned for our 2026 Program Report and announcement of our Master Master Winners!

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:

Local Work Group and Annual Landowner Meeting

Please join Mesa Conservation District for the 2026 Annual Landowner Meeting and Local Work Group. The annual meeting will provide landowners with a 2025 year in review and what programming to look out for in 2026! Additionally, landowners can make their voice heard by attending the NRCS-led Local Work Group. This data is used to determine funding and program priorities for our region. Wrapping up the evening, we will have a presentation on the 2026 Snow and Hydrology Forecast presented by Colorado Snow Survey Supervisor Brian Domonkos. Dinner is provided, but you must RSVP using the link below by March 16th to attend!

When: March 18th, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Where: Confluence Center of Colorado, 2596 Dos Rios Dr, Grand Junction, CO 81501

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! Stay tuned for more details!

City of Grand Junction: Greywater Design and Installation Course

Join the City of Grand Junction for a free one-day class on graywater design and installation! This is a free 8-hour class with a provided boxed lunch. Attendees will also receive a certificate of attendance from Red Rocks Community College. The event will host a Graywater specialist to teach the basics of designing, installing, and maintaining a graywater system. Scan the QR code below to register and learn more!

When: March 6th, 2026 (Friday)

Time: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Where: 1340 Gunnison Ave, Grand Junction, CO, 81501. Meet in the City of Grand Junction Hospitality Suite on the 4th floor of the stadium building. Parking is in the large lot for Lincoln Park.

2026 CO Plateau Science and Management Forum: Drought on the Colorado Plateau

This is a great opportunity to learn how drought is reshaping landscapes on the Colorado Plateau. Join us to hear from researchers and land managers on how drought affects natural and working landscapes, and what practical strategies can help build resilience. This forum is free with lunch and snacks provided! Scan the QR code in the flyer below to register and learn more!

When: March 24th, 2026 (Tuesday)

Time: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Where: 3170 B 1/2 Rd, Grand Junction, CO 81503 CSU Western Campus

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!