TEMPLE — In 2026, the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB) proudly recognizes and celebrates Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) across the state that are marking their 75th Anniversary. Established in 1951, these districts represent 75 years of local leadership, voluntary conservation, and strong partnerships with the farmers, ranchers, and landowners who steward Texas’s natural resources.
The TSSWCB is honored to highlight the following districts celebrating their 75th Anniversary this year:
- Rio Grande-Pecos River SWCD #237
- Established on April 19, 1951
- Serving Parts of Brewster and Terrell Counties
- Webb SWCD #337
- Established on April 27, 1951
- Serving Webb County
- Jasper-Newton SWCD #441
- Established on May 10, 1951
- Serving Parts of Jasper and Newton Counties
Soil and Water Conservation Districts are local subdivisions of state government, where each district is guided by a board of five directors elected by fellow landowners. This locally driven structure ensures that conservation priorities reflect the unique needs of each community while aligning with statewide conservation goals.
The foundation of today’s SWCDs traces back to the passage of the Texas Soil Conservation Law in 1939 and the creation of the TSSWCB. Together, these efforts launched a statewide system designed to address soil erosion, protect water quality, and promote sustainable land use through education, technical assistance, and voluntary participation.
Across Texas, SWCDs work to build awareness of soil and water conservation challenges and opportunities. They work to bring together agencies, private organizations, and community partners to coordinate practical, on-the-ground solutions that improve water quality, protect soil, and strengthen the long-term productivity of working lands.
At the core of every district across the state is a shared commitment to the needs of the land in their area. While SWCDs receive support and guidance from the TSSWCB and other partners, meaningful conservation happens when landowners choose to implement practices that align with their land management goals and the needs of their property.
As Texas continues to grow, the role of SWCDs becomes increasingly vital. Productive soils and reliable water resources are essential to meeting the state’s food, fiber, and natural resource demands. The TSSWCB remains committed to supporting SWCDs as they work alongside farmers, ranchers, and private landowners to conserve, protect, and enhance the natural resources that benefit all Texans.
The 75th Anniversary of these SWCDs is more than a milestone. It is a recognition of decades of service, leadership, and partnership, and a reaffirmation of the shared responsibility to care for Texas’s land and water for generations to come.