About Soil and Water Conservation Districts
Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) were established in the 1930s to develop comprehensive programs and plans to conserve soil resources, control and prevent soil erosion, prevent floods and conserve, develop, utilize and dispose of water.
Founded in 1945 by citizens concerned about conserving natural resources, the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District is now one of 47 conservation districts in Virginia and approximately 3,000 nationwide. NVSWCD is a political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Virginia, governed by a five-member Board of Directors. Its boundaries are the same as those of Fairfax County, home to over 1.2 million people.
NVSWCD is a locally-led conservation agency with a long history of responding to Fairfax County’s changing rural to urban landscape, transitioning programs based on identified needs. NVSWCD is valued for its leadership in using new and emerging techniques to address traditional issues and modern challenges.
NVSWCD is not a regulatory agency. Instead, it collaborates with Fairfax County and other partners to provide conservation information, technical services, educational programs and volunteer opportunities to residents on many aspects of water quality, non-point source pollution and stream health. We also connect residents with environmental initiatives and opportunities through the Watershed Calendar, Green Breakfast and Conservation Currents news updates.
Not a resident of Fairfax County? There are Soil and Water Conservation Districts working to serve residents in almost all areas of Virginia. Find the conservation district in your area by county.
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