The Colorado State Conservation Board, part of the Colorado Department of Agriculture, has announced the recipients of the 2026 Matching Grants program, awarding a total of $689,182.00 to 32 Conservation Districts across Colorado. This yearly cost-share grant opportunity is designed to assist Conservation Districts in carrying out critically important on-the-ground conservation projects and educational activities.
Felix Tornare, a retired baker of 40 years, has taken on a career in ranching with his wife Sarah. Located in Garfield County, Felix and Sarah spent many years transforming Milagro Ranch while running a bakery. The Tornares saw a need to improve soil health for production, specifically on irrigated pastures, and to enhance ecosystem services on their property. They enrolled in the Colorado Soil Health Program through their conservation district, and the results have been a success to say the least.
The Colorado State Conservation Board (CSCB), which provides guidance to the Department of Agriculture, has been awarded more than $375,000 to fund nine Working Lands Climate Corps (WLCC) positions across the state. Five Colorado Conservation Districts will participate in the program, providing opportunities for nine student technicians to experience on-the-job-training and learn more about conservation career opportunities.