Your Conservation Journey Starts Here
A step-by-step path for Sebastian County landowners — from your first site visit to a thriving, protected property.
Conservation doesn't have to be complicated.
Whether you own five acres or five hundred, the process is the same: understand your land, identify your goals, and take action one step at a time. Our staff has walked thousands of landowners through this process — and we've distilled it into a clear, practical roadmap.
This guide is your starting point. Work through the steps in order, or jump to the section most relevant to where you are right now. Every step links to deeper resources and our team is available at no cost to help you along the way.
The Six-Step Roadmap
Schedule a Free Land Assessment
Before any conservation work begins, one of our district staff will visit your property to evaluate soil types, drainage patterns, existing vegetation, and any erosion or water quality concerns. This assessment is completely free.
- Contact our office to schedule your visit
- Prepare a rough map or aerial photo of your property
- Note any specific concerns — wet spots, bare soil, invasive plants
Understand Your Soil
Soil health is the foundation of every conservation practice. A basic soil test tells you pH, nutrient levels, and organic matter content — information that shapes every decision from cover crops to tree planting.
- Collect soil samples from multiple areas of your property
- Submit samples to the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension
- Review results with our staff to identify priorities
Address Erosion and Water Flow
Uncontrolled water movement is the single biggest threat to land health in Sebastian County. Once you understand your soil, the next step is identifying where water is moving too fast, carrying sediment, or pooling where it shouldn't. Riparian buffers, terraces, and grassed waterways are the primary tools.
- Walk your property during or after a rain event to observe flow patterns
- Identify any stream banks, ditches, or slopes showing active erosion
- Prioritize the highest-risk areas for immediate action
Build Soil Health Over Time
Healthy soil holds water, resists erosion, and supports productive crops and pastures. Cover crops, reduced tillage, and compost applications are the core practices. Results build over multiple seasons — consistency matters more than any single action.
- Select cover crops suited to your rotation and goals
- Reduce or eliminate tillage on vulnerable slopes
- Track organic matter levels with annual soil tests
Restore Native Plants and Wildlife Habitat
Once erosion is controlled and soil health is improving, native plantings and habitat features pay dividends for decades. Native grasses, wildflowers, and shrubs require minimal maintenance, support pollinators and wildlife, and continue building soil health year after year.
- Identify areas suitable for native grass or wildflower establishment
- Consider brush piles, nesting boxes, or brush-free corridors for wildlife
- Source plants from local nurseries to ensure regional adaptation
Explore Financial Assistance Programs
Many conservation practices qualify for federal and state cost-share programs through USDA NRCS and the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission. Our staff can help you identify which programs fit your land and goals, and walk you through the application process.
- Ask our staff about EQIP, CSP, and RCPP eligibility
- Gather basic property records — deed, acreage, land use history
- Apply early — program funding is allocated on a rolling basis
Dig Deeper: Key Guides
These resources pair directly with the steps above. Each one goes into greater depth on a specific practice.
Ready to Get Started?
Our staff offers free on-site consultations for all Sebastian County landowners. No obligation, no cost — just practical guidance for your specific land.
Schedule a Free Consultation