More Women Become Landowners, Meet to Discuss Conservation Efforts

A GROUP OF WOMEN WANTS PEOPLE TO KNOW CONSERVATION IS A JOB FOR EVERYBODY

AYR, N.D. — As more women from different backgrounds become landowners, it’s clear there’s not a lot of spaces for them to meet and share their knowledge about land maintenance.

Today’s session was hosted by Pheasants Forever at Cottonwood Cider House orchard to help participants develop their voices and conservation efforts.

“I think women are just naturally more attuned as to what’s going on in the environment around them,” said orchard manager Stacey Nelson-Heising.

Usually, a look at the bigger picture is what’s most important when it comes to conservation.

“You know, our main goal isn’t how much money are we going to make this year. It’s basically a bigger perspective of, ‘How can we balance nature’s needs with our needs?'” said Nelson-Heising.

Balancing nature’s needs with the farmowner’s means thinking of what people can give, rather than just what they can get from nature.

Not all women who gathered today, however, are landowners or even live in rural areas. Some came to simply listen and support.

“I think that’s our most valuable resource in North Dakota, is our land. And so conservation of that land is a priority to me, even though I’m not involved in it,” said one of the women gathered at Cottonwood Cider House, Liane Stout.

Although more women are becoming landowners, the ones gathered here today say anybody can take a part in conservation.