Educators & Group Leaders

The Land & Water Conservation Division provides local leadership, education and technical expertise to improve the quality of life in Washington County by working closely with farmers, landowners, government officials, teachers, youth group leaders, community businesses, civic organizations and concerned residents to improve and conserve our soil and water resources.

The components of environmental education are:

  • Awareness and sensitivity to the environment and environmental challenges
  • Knowledge and understanding of the environment and environmental challenges
  • Attitudes of concern for the environment and motivation to improve or maintain environmental quality
  • Skills to identify and help resolve environmental challenges
  • Participation in activities that lead to the resolution of environmental challenges

Lending Library

Land Conservation conducts a wide variety of information and education programs aimed at urban and rural audiences of all ages. With a theme of "Clean Water One Step At A Time" the objective is to raise awareness and encourage citizens to take action to preserve our soil and water resources.

Educators and Youth Leaders come and discover what we have to offer! Our office consists of an extensive selection of: curriculum guides, videos, posters, monitoring equipment, reference materials, slide presentations, teaching games and demonstration kits. The library is open from 8:00 - 4:30 Monday thru Friday and materials are loaned out free of charge.

Conservation Poster Contest

Washington County Land Conservation will host the 2026 Local Conservation Poster Contest for all K-12th grade students attending school in our County. With a theme of "Soil. Where it all Begins", schools/clubs are asked to submit their artwork by Friday, January 9, 2026. Mailings were sent out to all public and parochial schools advertising the conservation/science opportunity.  The top three places in each grade category (K-1, 2-3, 4-6, 7-9 & 10-12) will be rewarded. First place automatically advances to the Area Contest in late January.

For more information regarding the Local Contest, contact the Natural Resources Department - Land Resources or (262) 335-4445.

FREE 12" x 18" poster board is available upon request and can be delivered to your school. Finished posters may also be picked up by our staff no later than Friday, January 9th.

National Ag Day Farm Tours

National Ag Day Farm Tours are offered yearly to local Washington County - 4th grade students in April. Using all five senses, students learn how Farmer Ross's beef cattle are raised and what they eat, how crop production/foods come to our table, and why soil and water conservation efforts are so important. A second tour, by Farmer Charlie, allows children to experience a dairy farm. Cows, heifers and calves oh my! Nearly 500 children from 10 local elementary schools (Hartford/Richfield/Germantown/Jackson) will visit both farms this spring!

FARMER ROSS BISHOP

Bishop Enterprises, located at 1736 Mill Road, Jackson 53037 (Town of Jackson) consists of 186 homestead acres dating back to 1846 and over 500 acres of additional rented ground. The farm was purchased in 2010* and is currently home to over 80 head of beef cattle consisting of the following breeds: Black Angus, Hereford and Black Baldy (Black Angus-Hereford cross). Continuous no-till farming has been practiced since 1994 on all land planted to corn, soybeans, wheat and alfalfa. These crops are grown to feed the cattle, to make ethanol, and to feed the world.

The students will experience the following while visiting the beef farm:
• The Cattle Chute
• Beef Cattle Feed
• Silos and Feed Bunker
• Farming Equipment (planting and harvest)
• Corn, Soybeans and Wheat Products
• Where Their Food Comes From
• Conservation, Healthy Soils and No-Till
• Agribusiness & Ag Careers
• Cattle By-Products

*Ross farmed/managed the Berggren Farm at this location from 1982-2010.

Black Angus Steer
Farmer Charlie

FARMER CHARLIE JONES

Krescent Valley Farm, located at W188N14023 Maple Road, Richfield 53076 (Village of Germantown) consists of 100 homestead acres dating back to 1854 and over 150 acres of additional rented ground. All cropland is planted to corn, peas & oats, wheat and alfalfa to help feed and bed the animals. The farm is owned by Charlie’s parents, Robert & Michelle (Kraemer) Jones, and currently houses nearly 200 head of dairy cattle consisting of the following breeds: Black & White Holstein, Red & White Holstein, Jersey, Ayrshire and Norwegian Red. Almost 300 total animals call this farm home.

The students will experience the following while visiting the dairy farm:
• Milking Parlor Tour
• The Milkhouse
• Bulk Tank - Fresh Milk Storage
• Dairy Cattle Feed
• The Freestall Barn
•Young Calves

**Charlie is the 7th generation to farm here.

Storm Drain Stenciling

Washington County's Storm Drain Stenciling program provides an opportunity to learn, help the environment and have fun—all at once! Groups may borrow materials to paint the message “Dump No Waste, Drains To Stream” by neighborhood storm drains to help educate residents about the storm drain connection. We lend interested groups all the necessary supplies and stencils and provide them maps of areas that need storm drain stencils based on your location.

 Stormwater runoff is rainwater that does not infiltrate/soak into the ground. It is rainwater that flows over grass, bare ground, driveways, roads, roofs, through gutters before flowing into storm drains or the nearest waterway. Storm drains are not the same as storm sewers. All the water that flows into storm drains, flows through underground pipes before discharging into the nearest stream. Since stormwater runoff flows over multiple surfaces before it gets to a storm drain or waterway, it can pick up excess pollutants such as dirt, grease, and trash before entering a storm drain or waterway. Storm drains deliver large volumes of water to streams much faster than would occur naturally, resulting in flooding and bank erosion. Stream inhabitants such as fish, salamanders, or mussels are stressed, displaced, or killed by the warm, fast moving water and the sediment or pollutants it brings with it. It is important to keep trash out of storm drains so it doesn't run into our stream! 
picture of stormwater stenciling

Conservation Camps

Middle School Camp @ Camp Lakotah in Waushara County (entering grades 6-8)  June 28-July 1, 2026                                                                                                                 

This camp provide fun outdoor experiences, helps foster an appreciation for nature, and introduces a variety of opportunities in natural resources and conservation careers. Natural resource professionals present programs on wildlife, habitat, water quality, soils, forestry, outdoor skills, and more. Engaging speakers and interesting topics give campers an opportunity to participate in hands-on activities, learn outdoor skills, make new friends, participate in typical summer camp experiences, and enjoy Wisconsin’s beautiful outdoors.

The $350 registration fee includes meals, snacks, lodging and a t-shirt.  Contact Natural Resources Department - Land Resources @ 262.335.4445.

Brochure/Website/Registration Link: https://wisconsinlandwater.org/our-work/youth-education/conservation-camp

Camp Newsletter

High School Camp @ North Lakeland Discovery Center (entering grades 9-12)  June 15-18, 2026

Students entering grades 9 - 12 who are interested in natural resource management careers or who enjoy the outdoors are invited to attend this five day camp. The North Lakeland Discovery Center is a place where people can come to connect to the natural world. Our location in the Northwoods of Wisconsin is beautifully remote, surrounded by water and forests.

The $450 fee covers meals, snacks, lodging and a t-shirt.  Contact Natural Resources Department - Land Resources @ 262.335.4445

Brochure/Website/Registration Link: https://wisconsinlandwater.org/our-work/youth-education/conservation-camp