While public lands provide important opportunities for hunting and recreation, programs are also available to help private landowners permanently protect their land, create wildlife habitat, and improve local water quality. The Reinvest in Minnesota program, known commonly as RIM, has been around since 1991 and has been used by private landowners to restore and protect conservation lands across the state.

The Rice Soil & Water Conservation District has selected Wild Ones Southeast Minnesota Prairie Partners as the recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Conservationist Award. The award recognizes the chapter’s efforts to promote native plants, support pollinator habitat, and provide conservation education throughout Rice County.