Transforming Conservation Outreach in Josephine County

Two SWCDs. One unified digital vision. This case study outlines our ongoing work with Josephine SWCD and Two Rivers SWCD to research, analyze, and modernize their digital presence. Through human-centered UX research, we’ve laid the groundwork for smarter, more accessible online engagement tools that reflect the values and needs of local communities across Josephine County.

Understanding the Challenge

Josephine County is served by two Soil and Water Conservation Districts—Josephine SWCD (formerly Illinois Valley SWCD) and Two Rivers SWCD. These organizations serve a wide range of residents, from rural landowners and farmers to educators and city residents interested in water conservation. Despite their vital roles, both districts were facing similar challenges online:

• Outdated or fragmented websites with limited mobile accessibility
• Unclear pathways for users to find relevant conservation programs
• Underutilized digital channels for outreach and education

We partnered with both SWCDs to initiate a comprehensive UX research phase focused on realigning their digital presence with user needs and modern web standards.

Our Research-Driven Approach

We began with a deep, collaborative research process designed to uncover how residents interact with conservation resources online. This included:

• Stakeholder Interviews: Discussions with SWCD staff and board members to understand pain points and priorities
• Community Use Analysis: Evaluation of how local landowners, renters, and educators currently access conservation-related information online
• Comparative Website Audits: Assessments of peer SWCD websites and regional conservation partners to identify best practices
• Persona and Journey Mapping: Initial drafts of user personas and workflows based on the needs of common user groups such as:
  • Rural landowners seeking well water or forest management resources
  • Urban residents looking for gardening and water efficiency tips
  • Educators and community groups in need of conservation curriculum

Key Insights From the Field

Our UX research uncovered several recurring themes across both districts:

• Trust is personal and local. Users value familiar faces and local references over generic government links.
• Most users aren’t sure where to start. Navigation structures need to reflect real-world questions and goals, not internal program names.
• Many users rely on phones or tablets. Websites must be mobile-optimized and load efficiently, especially in rural areas with limited connectivity.
• Information overload is common. Too many PDFs and long paragraphs cause people to disengage quickly.

Building the Foundation for Next Steps

This UX research phase is the foundation for a long-term digital strategy that both districts can build on. Immediate next steps include:

• Restructuring navigation and content organization based on persona-driven priorities
• Developing content tailored to the needs of specific user groups (e.g., new landowners, small farms, educators)
• Designing prototypes for new tools and resources (e.g., a resource finder or grant explainer)
• Laying the groundwork for future content writing, social media strategy, and accessibility improvements

Conclusion: A Living Partnership

Our work with Josephine SWCD and Two Rivers SWCD is not a one-time project—it’s a living, iterative partnership. With a strong research foundation in place, we’re positioned to support the districts as they grow their digital presence, reach new audiences, and deliver clear, usable conservation tools for every resident of Josephine County.