Current Programs

Rensselaer County Soil and Water Conservation District has many programs available to the public for participation. Our highly skilled staff has broadened the scope of the district and has started many valuable programs aimed at improving, conserving, and better understanding the environment in Rensselaer County. This is all done to assist farmers and the general public in the district.

AEM Program

AEM is a voluntary, incentive-based framework that helps farmers make cost-effective

and science based decisions to help meet business objectives while protecting and

conserving the State's natural resources. Farmers work with County Soil and Water

Conservation Districts (Conservation Districts) and other AEM resource professionals

to help develop, implement, operate, and evaluate comprehensive farm plans using a

5-Tiered approach based on the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)

Planning Process. Click the AEM photo above for more information and to get involved in the AEM Programs.

Drinking Water Program

The district has a wide variety of water test kits available. Click the photo above for more information about the Rensselaer County Soil & Water Conservation Water Testing Program.

Dry Hydrant Program

The Rensselaer County SWCD recently implemented a program for Dry Hydrants within the county. The SWCD is seeking input and interest from local fire departments. For more information click the photo above.

Pollinator Program

Transform a part of your yard into a wildflower haven to protect and nurture your favorite butterflies, birds, bees, and more. Click the photo above for more information.

Pond & Lake Program

The Rensselaer County Soil and Water Conservation District offers a free service to landowners who are interested in learning more about the health of their pond or lake. Click the photo above for more infromation.

Hudson River Eel Project

Rensselaer County SWCD is involved in the annual Hudson River Eel Project. We survey 3 different sites in the district and is apart of a larger dataset encompassing the entirety of the Lower Hudson River Watershed. The district provides education on the topic to local schools. Click the image above for more information.

Nuisance Beaver Program

Do you have roads within your town that frequently flood due to beaver issues? The district can assess the environmental conditions and determine what best management practices would be suitable for the site, whether its installing a water level control device or trapping.

Tire Recycling Program

The Rensselaer County Soil & Water Tire Recycling Program is FREE for all Rensselaer County Residents. Offered every spring and fall this program reduces waste by recycling tires that are no longer suitable for use.