Riparian buffers are vegetated areas intentionally planted or preserved along the shorelines of water bodies or wetlands. They play a crucial role in protecting water quality and the surrounding environment as they serve as the transition between the upland land use and the waterbody or wetland. Science has confirmed that it is much easier (less costly) to control and manage pollutants in the upland setting than to physically remove pollutants from the water. Learn more about

Permeable pavement is one of the most popular best management practices in the Colonial SWCD service area with landowners who are considering applying for the Virginia Conservation Assistance Program. Learn more about this popular option from CSWCD staff member, Robyn Woolsey.

Virginia is home to an incredible variety of native plants. Maybe it’s time to try adding some edible native species to your garden and enjoy the fruits (and leaves) of your labor for many years to come!

Jamestown High School placed first overall in the 2025 Area III Envirothon Competition, held at Dorey Park on April 15, 2025.

CSWCD Spring 2025 Newsletter published

The Colonial District congratulates Paul Davis on this No-Till Award, and is excited to share a video of Paul’s accomplishments.

A quick note about our February 10th Conservation Breakfast Event.

There are so many exciting opportunities available to students in the Colonial District. Learn more!

SWCDs are a key resource for providing conservation ed, financial assistance, & technical assistance to local landowners and land users.

Cover crops can be tailored to address a wide ranges of agricultural issues and can bring tremendous benefits to your soils.

Join us at the Providence Forge Community Center on February 10 for our Annual Conservation Event.

Multispecies cover crops can play a significant role in increasing soil organic carbon.

DCR hosted an educational field day at Brandon Farms, led by our senior agricultural conservation specialist, Robert Waring. Read more.

Read about a unique VCAP project that allowed us to cover the entire conservation landscaping costs for a church's parking lot.

Rather than fearing wasps we should recognize their ecological value and appreciate the ecosystem services they offer. Learn more here.

A "rain garden in a box” is a rain garden that is installed in an above-ground container, eliminating the need for any excavation.

CSWCD Winter 2024 Newsletter published

CSWCD is seeking proposals from qualified firms for living shoreline design and construction services on multiple agricultural properties.

The Colonial Soil and Water Conservation District Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2024 is now available for download on our website.

CSWCD has been educating the public on conservation and land protection efforts for years.