Serving DeSoto County Through Conservation
Partnering with landowners, educators, and the community to protect natural resources and promote responsible land use.
Local leadership. Lasting impact.
A Local Commitment to Conservation That Protects Our Future
The DeSoto County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) works to protect the natural resources that support our community, partnering with landowners, educators, and local organizations to promote responsible land use, improve water quality, and encourage long-term environmental stewardship for future generations.
The DeSoto County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) works to protect the natural resources that support our community, partnering with landowners, educators, and local organizations to promote responsible land use, improve water quality, and encourage long-term environmental stewardship for future generations.
Our Region
Past Events
Programs That Make an Impact
Hands-on initiatives that connect our community to conservation.
Annual Tree Giveaway
In recognition of Mississippi Arbor Day, Desoto SWCD held our Annual Tree Giveaway for the residents of DeSoto County. The event was held at our new location, the DeSoto Agri-Education Center. With help from over 100 volunteers, we provided over 16,500 trees and a variety of 20 tree species. Well over 600 residents participated in our tree giveaway and took home free trees! Our hope is that all of these trees will be planted in DeSoto County to keep our communities beautiful for years to come!!!
3rd Grade Tree Program
Growing Knowledge, Growing Futures ….
Our SWCD 3rd Grade Tree Program is more than just planting tree, it’s about planting the seeds of understanding in the next generation. Through this program, students learn the importance of Arbor Day and how trees play a vital role in protecting our natural resources.
Hands-on experiences like planting and learning about trees help children build a lasting connection to conservation. These lessons stay with them, encouraging stewardship and responsibility for years to come.
Together, we’re not just teaching about trees, we’re growing future conservation leaders. HUGE THANK YOU to our community partners! We had several volunteers help present our tree program at different schools. County and city employees, Hernando civic garden club members Master Gardeners, and city officials all gave their time to help educate our students!
Poster and Essay contest!
Congratulations to the winners of the Desoto SWCD Poster and Essay contest! This year’s theme, “ Soil – Where It All Begins,” encouraged students to explore the importance of soil conservation, agriculture, and the environment through art and writing. We are so proud of all of the students who participated in this year‘s contests. The creativity, talent, and thoughtful messages shared by our youth were truly inspiring. We would also like to extend a thank you to our schools, teachers and families who supported and encourage student participation. Your involvement helps promote conservation education for the next generation!
Watershed Program
Had a wonderful visit to Center Hill Elementary-Home of the Mustangs!
Students became watershed detectives during our hands-on Enviroscape lesson! We explored how watersheds connect all of us and learned the difference between point source and nonpoint source pollution. One of the biggest takeaways? WE are responsible for many nonpoint source pollutants, but we also have the power to make positive changes! 
Students discussed ways to:
Prevent pollutants from entering our waterways
Slow the flow of water on our property
Explore farming practices that improve soil health and reduce erosion
Protect streams, rivers, and lakes for future generationsWe also experimented with water pollution and tested different cleanup methods to see just how difficult it can be to remove pollutants once they enter our waterways.
These amazing students are now practicing “watershed mindfulness” and understand that we are all connected to, and responsible for, keeping our watershed healthy! 💙
Thank you, Mustangs, for inviting me to share in a day full of environmental learning, discovery, and hands-on fun!
Lifecycle Program
Big learning happening at Lake Cormorant Elementary! 
The DeSoto SWCD teamed up with the MS State Extension Office to bring lifecycle science to life for 2nd graders, and what a day it was!
Students rotated through hands-on stations exploring the lifecycles of chickens, insects, butterflies, and plants. From cracking the mystery of eggs to watching how tiny seeds grow into thriving plants, curiosity was in full bloom!
At the Discovery Station, creativity took over as students made their own lifecycle art, explored fun manipulatives, and even spent time coloring everyone’s favorite soil hero—Sam-E-Soil! 
Learning + creativity + a little bit of messy fun = a perfect day in science! 
Carbon Footprint Program
Had a great time visiting Lake Cormorant High School to speak with an Environmental Science class about our carbon footprint and the impact humans have on Earth’s systems!
Students explored how population growth, increased consumption of natural resources, and the use of both biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials place pressure on our land, water, air, and ecosystems. Using the Enviroscape model, we connected the dots between point source and nonpoint source pollution and discovered how pollution doesn’t just “go away” — it cycles back to us through the food we eat, the water we drink, and the environment we depend on every day.
We also discussed the importance of conservation and the many exciting career opportunities connected to protecting our natural resources and Earth systems, including agriculture, engineering, wildlife biology, forestry, soil and water conservation, environmental science, and more.
The future looks brighter with environmentally minded students like these leading the way!
Carbon Footprint Program
Local Kindergarten students discover the importance of healthy soil through a fun, hands-on activity as they build an edible soil profile. Using pudding, candies, cookie crumbs, and sprinkles, children create the different layers of soil while learning what each layer represents and why it is important. Along the way, they explore how healthy soil supports plants, animals, and people, and gain a basic understanding of how each soil layer contributes to a thriving environment. This engaging lesson encourages curiosity while introducing young learners to the foundations of soil conservation.
Our Region
Understanding Our County
DeSoto County’s diverse landscape supports agriculture, forestry, and growing communities, making conservation efforts essential across all land types.
80,000
Acres of forestry
19,000
Acres of pastureland
90,000
Acres of cropland
67,000
Acres of urban land
Loring Soil
Well-drained and highly productive, commonly used for crops like corn, soybeans, and cotton.
Falaya Soil
Found in low areas near streams, often used for pasture, forestry, or conservation.
Grenada Soil
Moderately well-drained, requires careful management to control water and prevent erosion.
Collins Soil
Poorly drained and best suited for wetlands, wildlife habitats, and conservation use.
Corn
Cotton
Soybeans
Wheat
Rice
Our Focus
We are committed to protecting DeSoto County’s natural resources through practical conservation efforts, education, and community leadership.
Become a Member
Get Involved in Your Community
Support the conservation of DeSoto County’s land and water resources. Your membership helps fund local programs and community initiatives, and includes an annual newsletter subscription, volunteer opportunities, an invitation to the Annual Banquet, and early access to the tree giveaway.
Apply to Membership
Contact Us
Let’s Connect
If you have questions about our programs, events, or conservation efforts, we’re here to help. Get in touch and we’ll respond as soon as possible.
Commissioners
Jim Sayle
Susie Burns
Seth Steadham
Zachary Walker
Benjamin Dean
Deputy Commissioners
Bowdre Emerson
Duane Steadham
David Sullivan
Todd Williams
District Administrator
Stacey Pirtle
Other Ways to Contact Us
662-469-8251
[email protected]
1170 Starlanding Rd. W Nesbit, MS 38651
(Located inside the Agri-Education Center building)
Contact Us Form
Reach us anytime using the form below. We will respond within 3 business days.