MIAMI COUNTY, KS – While many landowners wait until later in life to begin thinking about legacy, Eric Howell is already making moves to preserve his land — starting in his 30s.

A lifelong outdoorsman who grew up in the Boy Scouts, learning early on about conservation and stewardship, Howell recently enrolled 77 acres into a Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE) through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). Though the restoration hasn’t yet begun, Howell is firmly committed to seeing it through.

“It’s not about what I can take from the land — it’s about what I can give back to it.”

Eric’s land includes a riverine wetland that runs along Pottawatomie Creek. These types of wetlands form next to streams and creeks and are great for wildlife. They help keep water clean, prevent erosion, and support a wide mix of plants and animals. With restoration coming soon, the area will provide even better habitat.

“I’m just getting started, but I know what I want this place to become,” Howell said. “It’s not about what I can take from the land — it’s about what I can give back to it.”

Howell first learned about WRE from the real estate agent who helped him purchase his property south of Osawatomie. Intrigued by the opportunity to build long-term wildlife habitat, he began the application process in 2020.

What followed was a multi-year journey of paperwork, meetings, and waiting.

“Everyone I worked with was great — professional and helpful — but the process itself takes a long time,” Howell said. “I had to learn a lot of patience. If I’d known that going in, I think I would’ve been mentally more prepared.”

Though his official WRE restoration is still pending — expected to begin this summer — Howell didn’t let the delays slow him down. He’s already restored more than 25 additional acres with native grasses and wildflowers, including 18 acres he funded himself.

“I couldn’t just sit on my hands,” he said. “This land means something to me. I want it to be wild and diverse, not farmed to death.”

Howell’s land includes the Pottawatomie Creek, a natural corridor for wildlife that cuts through dense timber and brush. It’s home to bald eagles, deer, turkey, migrating ducks, and a wide variety of birds.

“This is just a really special piece of land,” he said. “It’s got everything — creek, timber, grassland, and soon, wetland. I want it to stay that way forever.”

As a younger landowner, Howell knows his story stands out — but he hopes it inspires others to start early.

“I’ve talked to a lot of older landowners who say, ‘I wish I’d done this 30 years ago,’” he said. “So why wait?”

Still, Howell doesn’t shy away from the concerns others have — particularly when it comes to working with the federal government.

“There’s a lot of hesitation,” he said. “People are scared the government’s going to control their land. But that hasn’t been my experience. The people I’ve worked with care about habitat, just like I do.”

For Howell, the decision to enroll in a Wetland Reserve Easement came down to values — and vision.

“This isn’t land I plan to sell. I want to pass it on,” he said. “Some people say I’ve devalued it by putting it into a permanent easement. But to me, it’s worth more now. It’s not about dollars — it’s about habitat.”

His advice for others considering the program?

“Start early, ask a lot of questions, and don’t get discouraged,” Howell said. “It takes time, but it’s worth it. If you care about your land and what it becomes, this is a powerful way to shape that future.”

Learn more about Eric’s story. Hear him talk about protecting a major wildlife corridor.

LABETTE COUNTY, KS – In 1994, Max and Eweleen Good became pioneers in wetland conservation in Kansas, making history as the first landowners to voluntarily participate in a USDA Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE) in the state. At the time, the concept of wetland restoration was new, and the Goods had little to guide them. Nevertheless, they saw it as an opportunity to return their land to a more natural state, help restore wildlife habitat, and contribute to the larger conservation effort.

“Our goal was to restore what had been lost,” said Max. “We wanted to contribute to the environment, not just for us, but for future generations.”

Their property features a riverine wetland, part of the Labette Creek floodplain. These types of wetlands form in low-lying areas that naturally collect water during rains or when nearby creeks overflow. Though the land had been altered over time, it still had the potential to hold water, support native plants, and provide vital habitat for birds and other wildlife.

The 40-acre property had once been part of tallgrass prairie before it was converted to farmland. By the time the Goods acquired it, trees had overtaken the grasslands and the ponds became seasonal. They knew that to restore its natural beauty and ecological value, they needed to take action.

“Our goal was to restore what had been lost,” said Max. “We wanted to contribute to the environment, not just for us, but for future generations.”

In 1994, when USDA introduced the Wetland Reserve Program, it was a rare opportunity to protect and restore wetlands through permanent conservation easements. The Goods took a leap of faith, enrolling their property in the program, despite the uncertainty that came with being the first in Kansas to do so.

The US Fish and Wildlife Service helped the Goods with the restoration process, which began with essential infrastructure, constructing a dike and water control structure to manage seasonal water flow. They also seeded the land with native grasses, carefully planning each step to coincide with the wetland’s seasonal needs. Over the years, the Goods used a combination of chemical and mechanical treatments to control invasive species and protect the new ecosystem.

By January 1996, their land became the first wetland in Kansas to be fully restored and protected under a Wetland Reserve Easement. What followed was nothing short of remarkable.

As the wetland flourished, it attracted an incredible diversity of wildlife. The Goods documented over 300 species of plants and animals that passed through or made the area their home. Species such as ducks, geese, eagles, and even river otters arrived, as the wetland quickly became a vital stopover for migrating birds and other wildlife. The Goods watched as new species continued to appear, turning their property into a biodiversity hotspot.

“Each year, it felt like we were discovering something new,” Max said. “We were amazed at how quickly the ecosystem came back to life.”

The Goods’ land became a haven for wildlife. Their wetlands now provide habitat for various species, provide protection from floods and help reduce nutrients and sediments downstream. The project not only brought environmental benefits but also created an opportunity for education and scientific research.

Max and Eweleen’s story is one of the first Wetland Reserve Easement successes in Kansas. Their enthusiasm and dedication inspired others to join the program. By 1995, Kansas had 11 WRE contracts, and by the following year, that number grew to 26. The Goods’ experience became a powerful example of what’s possible when landowners choose to invest in conservation.

“We never expected to become the first, but it’s been an incredibly rewarding experience,” said Eweleen. “We’ve learned so much, and we’re proud to have played a part in this important work.”

For landowners interested in restoring their wetlands, USDA Wetland Reserve Easements — part of the NRCS Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) — offer a variety of benefits: enhancing biodiversity, improving water quality, reducing the risk of flooding, and creating sustainable habitat for wildlife. It’s a way to give back to the land and leave a lasting legacy.

The Goods encourage fellow landowners to consider this valuable opportunity. They see wetland restoration not as a sacrifice, but as an investment in the land and in the future.

“Don’t be afraid to step into something new,” Max advises. “If we can do it, so can you.”

Learn more about the first Wetland Reserve Easement in Kansas. Hear Max and Eweleen talk about their experience conserving their wetland.