April builds on that momentum as the growing season begins to take shape.

Happy April from the team at Mesa Conservation District! Across the Western Slope, spring is settling in, and early-season work is well underway. Producers are actively preparing fields, dialing in irrigation systems, and beginning implementation on projects that support soil health, water efficiency, and long-term agricultural resilience.

At Mesa Conservation District, we’re grateful to be working alongside our community during this busy and important time of year. April highlights the impact of thoughtful planning put into practice, as well as the continued value of collaboration and stewardship. As the season progresses, we remain focused on supporting the producers and landowners who care for our shared land and water resources, and on advancing conservation efforts that will carry through the months ahead.

Joely Anysz - Mesa CD District Manager

2026 Fruita Farm and Ranch Day

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Fruita Co-op Farm and Ranch Day event on March 28th! We had a great time speaking to landowners about our noxious weed program and available resources. Thank you to everyone who signed up for our free raffle and participated in the seed ball activity!

Noxious Weed Management Cost-Share Program

MCD is accepting applications for our 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.

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!

Thank you to 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 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:

Join Mesa Conservation District at the Palisade Farm Fest Downtown Market and Festival - May 2nd

Mesa Conservation District is pleased to be joining the first Palisade Farm Fest on Saturday, May 2nd! Join this two-fold event with the farmers market at Third and Main Streets from 10 am to 4 pm.

Down the street, join the Farm Fest from 11 am to 5 pm at Veteran’s Park to celebrate local agriculture and food, learn more about local agriculture and its importance in our community, and more! Click the link below to learn more and purchase tickets for the Farm Fest!

Ruth Powell Hutchins Water Center Upcoming Events

Ruth Powell Hutchins Water Center at CMU will be hosting an informative panel, Confronting Scarcity on the Colorado River. As the worst snowpack and runoff in decades threatens to stain our already scarce shared water resources, how we manage and conserve water has never been more important. This panel brings together local voices from across key water-use sectors — agriculture, municipal, and environmental stewardship — to explore how each is navigating uncertainty and adapting to change. This discussion, presented by Aspen Journalism in collaboration with the water center, will be followed by an audience question and answer.

Where: Colorado Mesa University, University Center – UC West Ballroom, 1455 N 12th St, Grand Junction, CO 81501.

When: Wednesday, May 6th. Doors at 5:15 pm, event begins at 5:30 pm, and will wrap up by 7 pm

This event is free, but registration is required. Click the button below to register.

Mesa County Biochar Workshop

What if yard waste could improve soil, store carbon, and support long-term land health? Mesa County is hosting a 2-day, hands-on workshop about biochar on May 12th and 13th.

The workshop combines classroom learning with field application. Participants will learn what biochar is, how it’s made, and how it can be used to improve soil and support sustainability efforts.

• Date: May 12–13, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Location: 3071 US-50, Mesa County Organic Materials Composting Facility

• Cost: $80 (limited scholarships available)

The workshop is led by industry experts Dr. Ricardo Vázquez-Perales and Sam Bennett. Biochar is a tool for improving soil health, retaining moisture, and supporting long-term land management. For a region where water, soil quality, and sustainability matter, these practices can make a difference.

Participants will:

• Learn how biochar works as a soil amendment

• Explore different kiln types and how to select one

• Gain hands-on experience using a ring-of-fire kiln

• Learn how to harvest and apply biochar effectively

Anyone interested in soil health and sustainability is encouraged to attend. Click the button below to learn more and register.

If you have wood material you would like to donate for this workshop, please reach out to Jennifer Richardson at jennifer.richardson@mesacounty.us

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!