The seed of gardening joy was planted in Fillmore County Master Gardener, Magali Disdier by her grandparents who were farmers. “One of my grandfather’s hobbies was to graft all his fruit trees in his orchard,” commented Magali. This love of flourishing flora, as well as the desire to encourage others to explore the concept of gardening, inspired Magali to start a local seed … [Read more...]
2025 Seed Trial Winners
By Katie Drewitz University of Minnesota Extension The University of Minnesota and the University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardeners have been running a flower and vegetable varietal trial since 1982. Extension Master Gardeners around the state devote some of their garden space to the selected varietals and keep records throughout the growing season. The results … [Read more...]
Jury Resolves Years-Long Dispute Over Control of Bluff Country ATV Club
A dispute that began inside a small local ATV club and lingered for years has come to an end after working its way through the court system and ultimately being decided by a jury. At the center of the case was the Bluff Country ATV Club and a question that proved far more complicated than it first appeared: who was actually in charge. The conflict traced back to an April 21, … [Read more...]
Adult Trap Shooting Thrives in Fillmore and Houston Counties
Trap shooting is a growing sport in Fillmore and Houston counties of Southeast Minnesota. It is a sport deeply grounded in the area’s strong outdoor traditions. For decades, area sportsmen and sportswomen have gathered at local ranges to enjoy friendly competition, fresh air, scenic landscapes and a sense of community that extends well beyond the shooting line. Local … [Read more...]
Land Management with Prescribed Burns
Prescribed burns to the uninitiated might sound like some strange treatment a doctor might do, but in this case the term prescribed burn refers to the “intentional, expert-led application of fire to wild lands fuels.” One of the ideal times for prescribed burns is quickly approaching with the coming of spring. Once the winter snow and ice have disappeared and the dead growth is … [Read more...]
Major Milestone Achieved in Root River Restoration Near Eagle Bluff
By Staff of Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center A major milestone has been reached in the ongoing restoration of the Root River near Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, marking a significant step forward in efforts to address decades of erosion, restore natural river flow, and improve habitat for aquatic species. Phase 1 of construction – targeting three … [Read more...]
Conservation Remains Resilient in Fillmore County
By Riley Buley Fillmore Soil and Water thanks the Fillmore County Journal for providing us space to showcase the work the District has been doing in 2025. As with any year, 2025 was not without its challenges. Pauses in federal funding, a government shutdown, and the growing pains of a new program left – quite literally – hundreds of our producers wondering whether they … [Read more...]
Fillmore SWCD Staff
2026 Fillmore County Plat Book Now Available
The 2026 Fillmore County Land Atlas and Plat Book is now available. This newest edition published by Rockford Map Publishers is available for purchase from Fillmore County Soil & Water Conservation District, 912 Houston Street NW, Preston, MN 55965. The new plat book accurately displays parcel boundaries, acreage data, roadways, waterways, railways, section lines, … [Read more...]
SWCD Awards Scholarships to High School and College Students
By SWCD Staff High School Scholarship The Fillmore Soil and Water Conservation District will sponsor a $500 scholarship for a graduating Fillmore County high school student pursuing a degree in Natural Resources, Agriculture, or related field. 2025 High School Recipient Congratulations to our 2025 Graduating High School Senior Scholarship recipient, Mara Schwartz. … [Read more...]