September in the Grand Valley is the season of harvest rewards!

September marks the height of harvest season in the Grand Valley. Across fields and orchards, producers are working long days to gather the fruits, vegetables, and forage that reflect months of care and dedication. It’s a time to celebrate the abundance of our region and the hands that bring it to our tables.

At Mesa Conservation District, we’re proud to stand alongside these efforts, supporting producers through conservation initiatives, resource planning, and sustainable practices that protect our land and water. This season is not only about enjoying the bounty of the harvest—it’s about investing in the resilience of our community and landscape, ensuring that future generations can share in the same abundance.

Joely Anysz - Mesa CD District Manager

MCD Welcomes Rhysa!

Join us in giving a warm welcome to our newest Board Supervisor, Rhysa Ferris!

I am a mechanic, mycologist, educator, and lifelong farm kid. I was born into the Ferris family and raised on our seed corn farm, Grand Valley Hybrids, in Appleton. Known as the “mad scientist” of the family, I’ve always had a passion for exploring new ideas and applying them to agriculture and community work.

Giving back to the community I love is central to who I am. I volunteer as a Community Advisory Board Member with our local Community Food Bank and serve as an educator at Colorado Mesa University. Growing up on the farm gave me a deep appreciation for agriculture and a desire to help preserve the Grand Valley’s agricultural legacy for future generations.

I chose to join the Board of Supervisors at Mesa Conservation District because of its dedication to preserving our region’s agricultural economy and heritage. This mission aligns perfectly with my values, and I am excited to contribute to the District’s efforts to ensure that agriculture in the Grand Valley continues to thrive for generations to come.

— Rhysa Ferris, MCD Board Supervisor

Mesa Conservation District and CMU Capstone Project

This fall, Mesa Conservation District is proud to partner with Colorado Mesa University’s Environmental Science and Technology program to provide students with a hands-on, real-world project. Senior capstone students will conduct a Vineyard Invertebrate Biodiversity & Fruit Quality Assessment, exploring the important connections between healthy ecosystems and agricultural production.

We look forward to learning from their research and applying the results to better support our local producers. A special thank-you to Dr. Charlotte Oliver for her guidance and technical expertise in making this project possible!

AgrAbility - Soil Education

Last week, Mesa Conservation District Manager Joely Anysz partnered with students of diverse abilities to explore the importance of plant roots in maintaining soil health. Through hands-on learning, students discovered how water and erosion shape landscapes, while comparing how different plants help reduce soil and bank erosion. 🌱

We are grateful to Todd Ballard and Julie Elliot with CSU for inviting MCD to participate in this engaging and impactful learning experience!

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:

RiversEdge West: From Weeds to Wildlife

Mesa Conservation District will be presenting at the upcoming From Weeds to Wildlife workshop, a two-part event focused on invasive plant management and habitat restoration.

Day 1: at the Confluence Center of Colorado includes a free dinner and presentations from Mesa Conservation District, Mesa County Natural Resources, and Western Colorado Conservation Corps. Topics will cover invasive species control for tamarisk, Russian olive, and herbaceous weeds, as well as native revegetation strategies.

Day 2: features a site visit at Avant Vineyards in Palisade, where participants will walk a riparian area to practice plant identification, learn technique applications, and discuss ongoing restoration. Moderate hiking is required—please bring sturdy shoes, water, sun protection, and appropriate clothing. Light refreshments will be provided by RiversEdge West, and attendees are welcome to stay afterward for optional wine tastings ($15 for 5 wines, plus 10% off bottles).

This workshop is open to private landowners, land managers, farmers, partners, and anyone interested in conservation and restoration practices! Click the button below to register!

Colorado River District’s Annual Seminar: Across Divides

This year’s seminar on October 3rd will explore the spaces where perspectives don’t always align in the world of western water, and how we still have to find our way forward together. Sometimes, these perspectives are split between upstream and downstream, sometimes between the data and the real-world experience, between science and policy, and between East Slope and West. As we face mounting challenges across the Colorado River Basin, this year’s event will bring together diverse voices to confront those divides, question assumptions, and work toward shared understanding with a focus on what it all means for water users on the Western Slope.

Doors will open at 8:00 a.m. Be sure to stick around after the program for a happy hour networking event on the terrace from 3:35 – 5:00 p.m. A complimentary drink ticket is included with all registrations.

Click the button below to register.

When: October 3rd, 8:30am to 3:15pm

Where: Colorado Mesa University, Meyers Ballroom

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!