Near Coon Valley in Vernon County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Nation's First Watershed Project
Photographed by Greta Schassler, May 2, 2026
1. Nation's First Watershed Project Marker
This point is near the center of the 90,000 acre Coon Creek Watershed, the nation's first large-scale demonstration of soil and water conservation. The area was selected for this purpose by the U.S. Soil Conservation Service (then Soil Erosion Service) in October 1933. Technicians of the S.C.S. and the University of Wisconsin pooled their knowledge with experiences of local farm leaders to establish a pattern of land use now prevalent throughout the midwest. Planned practices in effect include improvement of woodlands, wildlife habitat and pastures, better rotations and fertilization, strip cropping, terracing, and gully and stream bank erosion control. The outcome is a tribute to the wisdom, courage and foresight of the farm families who adopted the modern methods of conservation farming illustrated here.
Erected 1955 by the Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 31.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Environment • Horticulture & Forestry. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1933.
Location. 43° 42.109′ N,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest, in the Corn Belt, in the Driftless Area Bluff Country, and in the Great River Road Region. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: German Methodist Episcopal Churches (approx. 6.1 miles away); The Coulee Region (approx. 7.4 miles away); 23rd and Green Bay (approx. 11.3 miles away); Governor Rusk (approx. 11½ miles away); Our Lady of Sorrows Chapel (approx. 11.6 miles away); First Complete Service of Christian Divine Worship (approx. 11.7 miles away); Grandad Bluff: The Making of a Park
Photographed by Keith L, July 19, 2010
2. Nation's First Watershed Project Marker
Also see . . . Wisconsin's Watersheds and basins. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website entry (Submitted on July 20, 2010.)
Photographed by Keith L, July 19, 2010
3. Nation's First Watershed Project Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 20, 2010, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 2,038 times since then and 86 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 2, 2026, by Greta Schassler of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 2, 3. submitted on July 20, 2010, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.
