soil and water conservation society (swcs) is a nonprofit scientific and educational organization -- founded in 1943 -- that serves as an advocate for conservation professionals and for science-based conservation practice, programs, and policy. swcs has over 5,000 members around the world. they include researchers, administrators, planners, policymakers, technical advisors, teachers, students, farmers, and ranchers. our members come from nearly every academic discipline and many different public, private, and nonprofit institutions.