January is a time for recollection and preparation for the year ahead!

Happy 2026 from the team at Mesa Conservation District! As the new year begins, winter continues to bring a slower pace to the fields, offering producers valuable time to reflect on the work accomplished in 2025 and prepare for the year ahead. January is the ideal moment to evaluate lessons from the past growing season, service equipment, and consider conservation practices that protect soil health, conserve water, and strengthen long-term resilience before spring arrives.

At Mesa Conservation District, we are proud to start the year alongside our agricultural community. This season represents a fresh start, an opportunity to set goals, build on strong partnerships, and move forward with renewed commitment to stewardship.

Joely Anysz - Mesa CD District Manager

MCD Noxious Weed Management Workshop

Mesa Conservation District is excited to announce a Noxious Weed Management Landowner workshop! Join MCD, RiversEdge West, and Mesa County Noxious Weed and Pest Management for an evening of learning about plant identification, riparian noxious weeds, and control methods. Additionally, we will be sharing information regarding how to participate in our new Noxious Weed Management Cost Share Program. The workshop is free to attend, but an RSVP is required. Click the button below to RSVP. Please reach out to mesaconservationdistrict@gmail.com with any questions.

Dinner provided!

When: January 27th, 2026, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

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

Mesa Conservation District Board of Supervisors Opening

Mesa Conservation District is currently seeking a committed and community-minded individual to fill one open seat on our Board of Supervisors. We are especially interested in applicants with backgrounds in agriculture or business management.

If you are interested, this is your opportunity to shape local conservation initiatives! Learn more and apply by contacting the district directly at mesaconservationdistrict@gmail.com.

Colorado Department of Agriculture Announces Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) is accepting concept proposals for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP).

SCNGP is a U.S. Department of Agriculture Marketing Service (AMS) program administered by CDA to enhance the competitiveness of Colorado Specialty crops. Specialty crops are defined as fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture).

How to apply:

CDA’s competitive solicitation process will be divided into two phases. In phase 1, applications can submit concept proposals using the online application form by 5 pm MST on Friday, February 13th.

CDA will invite selected applicants to participate in Phase 2 by late March or early April 2026. In Phase 2, selected applicants will complete a project plan to be included in Colorado’s 2026 state plan to USDA.

Click the button below to learn more about this opportunity!

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:

The Economic Impact of Agriculture on Western Colorado

Producers, civic leaders, policy makers, economic partners, and community members, please join the Business Incubator Center and AgriWest for the public release of a groundbreaking agricultural study that brings together data, trends, and lived experience to provide a clear picture of agriculture across Western Colorado.

Join the Mesa County presentation on January 19th, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM at The Business Incubator Center (2591 Legacy Way, Grand Junction, CO 81503). RSVP is required. Scan the QR code on the flyer below or call the Business Incubator Center at (970) 243-5242 to RSVP.

Roots of Renewal (formerly the Western CO Soil Health, Food and Farm Forum)

Join Roots of Renewal for two days of regionally-focused sessions on soil health, regenerative ag, business innovation, climate resilience, and much more! The event will feature keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and hands-on workshops! Click the button below to learn more.

When: January 23rd-24th, 2026

Where: Montrose Pavilion, Montrose, CO

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!