LABETTE COUNTY – 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.
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 — 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.”
