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About BSWCD

We at Benton SWCD believe that everyone deserves to feel safe and supported in their exploration and enjoyment of the natural world.

In 1999, Cliff and Gay Hall bought a sheep farm in Kings Valley in northwestern Benton County with the hope of not only restoring the 1898 farm house, but also to manage the 80 acres with the goal of enhancing wildlife populations and diversity while preserving the pastoral beauty of the property.  With the help

This article has five authors: Donna Schmitz, Teresa Matteson, Heath Keirstead, Laura Brown, and Holly Crosson. On June 30, 2019, Dr. Clifford Hall resigned from Benton SWCD’s Board of Directors, on which he had served since 2003. During his tenure, the District developed a high quality budgeting process and grew our staff from 2 to

Bob Morris, previously an associate director, joined the Benton SWCD Board this summer as At-large Director. A retired veterinarian, educator extraordinaire, and passionate photographer, Bob can be easily spotted on BSWCD tours and during field days because he carries a camera with a gigantic telephoto lens. In his home garden, Bob captured this lovely shot

For many, soil is one of the most underappreciated resources on our planet; but not so for Teresa Matteson, a passionate soil pioneer who knows we shouldn’t be treating our soil like dirt!

All of us at Benton SWCD would like to say a big Thank You to Marvin Gilmour, who has been the Zone 2 Director of the Benton Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) for the past four years! Marvin will be stepping off of the Benton SWCD Board at the end of December, but he

Hedgerows provide food, cover for nesting, shelter, and a travel lane for wildlife.

Taylor Williams helped populate Benton SWCD’s extensive website and much more during her internship in 2013.

At the 2013-2014 Annual Meeting, Benton SWCD celebrated Benton County Terroir with a farm to fork showcase of local food producers and their soils.

Benton SWCD has opened the doors of our new store! Come see what we have to offer!

Emily Platt describes her experience as an intern with BSWCD. Highlights included introducing soil augers and hummingbird antics to students.

At the BSWCD Annual Meeting, Dr. David Brauner, OSU professor of anthropology, shared a glimpse of the little-known history of native peoples in this area.