FREE WATER TEST KITS for those who:
- Live in one of the Tap-In initiative's SE MN counties: Mower, Dodge, Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Olmsted, Wabasha and Winona.
- Use a private drinking well for your main source of drinking water.
These tests will check for nitrate, coliform bacteria, arsenic, lead and manganese.
Fill out the online application HERE.
Rain Barrels (SOLD OUT) and Compost Bins (plenty available)
(April 25, 2025, from 12:30-4:30 PM at Mower County Recycling Center in Austin, 1111 8th Ave NE)
Mower County residents and non-Mower residents in the Cedar River watershed can buy discounted rain barrels (45-gallon capacity) for $50 each; Austin Utilities customers can get an additional $10 rebate.
Read the MEDIA RELEASE for full details. For online orders, click on either of the following links:
Mower County residents and non-Mower residents in Cedar watershed.
Compost bins also are being sold at a discounted rate only for Mower County residents.
This is a partnership between Mower County Recycling Center, Mower Soil & Water Conservation District, Austin Utilities and the City of Austin's stormwater department.
2025 Tree List is Available with Limited Quantities !
Order trees now for April 24th & 25th pick-up!
We are sold out of and are low on many of the trees and shrubs on our list. Check out our tree sales website to see availability and to place your order.
2024 Annual Report
READ about the projects and progress made in 2024 by the Mower SWCD staff and our partners.
Mower SWCD greatly appreciates the state Clean Water funding that supports our staffing and projects.
Mower SWCD Board of Supervisors
Monthly Board Meeting
Thursday, April 10, 2025
8:00 AM
Mower SWCD office, 1408 21st Ave. N.W., Austin
**NOTE** For 2025, Mower SWCD monthly board meetings will be on the second Thursday of the month. This is a change from prior years when it was the second Wednesday.
Learn about mower swcd's 2023 field projects
New project signs and online story map show what's being done for conservation work with farming cooperators in Mower County.
Follow this link to view the new Mower SWCD online story map for before and after photos of various conservations projects underway or planned for later in 2023.
Learn about prairie strips and the cost-share opportunities available to farmers and landowners in Mower County.
Mower SWCD Use of SWCD Aid Funds
Mower SWCD will utilize SWCD Aid funding to continue and enhance conservation delivery within our county. As landowners' needs for conservation programs have increased, so has the staffing required to fulfill those requirements. Mower SWCD remains committed to delivering the highest service to our community. SWCD Aid will allow us to deliver these programs at the highest level possible. Click here to see the resolution on the Use of SWCD Aid Funds.
Cost-share available for well sealing
Mower SWCD continues to offer cost-share assistance to Mower County landowners who have an unused or abandoned well. Cost-share varies depending on the well's location in the county but all Mower County landowners are eligible for well sealing cost-share assistance.
Those interested should contact Mower SWCD's Tim Ruzek at 507-460-4577 or tim@mowerdistrict.org.
Since 1953
Mower Soil & Water Conservation District
Since 1953, Mower SWCD has provided local leadership to conserve, protect and enhance Mower County's natural resources.
What Is Mower SWCD?
Find out more about our organization.