Severe soil erosion problems in the "Dust Bowl" days prompted the passage of the Conservation District Law by Kansas Legislature in 1937, which lead to the formation of conservation districts in Kansas.  Across the state 105 conservations districts (one in every county) provide local leadership by helping local people address local natural resource needs.

The Douglas County Conservation District was formed by farmers and landowners at referendum held on August 17-20, 1945.  Most farmers believed that a soil conservation district would be of great help in solving the serious erosion problems of the county. Two farmers, Emil Heck of Lawrence and Wilson Counts of Baldwin, were appointed supervisors by the State Soil Conservation Committee. On January 4, 1946, Homer Gerstenberger of Eudora, George Butell of Baldwin and Leslie Dermeritt of Clinton were elected as supervisors.

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The District Board meets the first Wednesday of each month for regular monthly board meetings. They establish local priorities, set policy, and administer non-regulatory conservation programs during monthly board meetings. The supervisors are not paid a salary, they all volunteer their time and dedication to the protection of our natural resources.

 An annual meeting is held each February to report district activities and accomplishments since the last annual meeting and to advertise district programs.  An election is also conducted to fill a three year term for position of supervisors.

The non-regulatory conservation programs which are administered through the Douglas County Conservation District include the Non-Point Source Pollution Control Program and the Water Resource Cost-Share Program, Conservation Buffer Program and several grants (including WRAPS) related to water quality improvement. All programs of the Douglas County Conservation District are available without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, age or handicap.