During the last five years, our landscape has changed both literally and figuratively. These changes, combined with a very hopeful outlook for our future, shape a new vision for Story County Conservation (SCC) for the next three years. Our vision includes capacity building-- community members broadly engaging with nature as a means of self and community improvement that collaboratively works to steward the nature they know--a vision of a healthier environment and a richer community. Several factors helped formulate this plan:

completion of the Cornerstone to Capstone (C2C) Plan in 2016;

lack of sustainable statewide funding for natural resources;

recent successes in water quality awareness;

expansion of Dakins Lake;

improvements in the Hickory Grove Lake watershed;

development of the Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor;

new efforts in drainage ditch maintenance, resource management, community engagement, facility improvements, and environmental education programming;

improvements in awareness of the importance of soil health and water quality;

need for greater awareness of the role of nature in community betterment; the proliferation of invasive threats to our natural environment; and,

increasing disconnect between society and nature.

This plan was developed through a series of board, staff, and stakeholder work sessions. SCC has carefully examined where we have been, what we have accomplished, and how we can achieve our vision. Just like the last five years, we expect numerous changes in the next three years. This is a living plan. It will be reviewed annually by the SCC Board and will guide conservation efforts through 2020. Join us in connecting people with nature and improving natural resources to make Story County a great place to live, work, and recreate.