Between 2007 and 2011, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) looked at how to sustain the state's 200 fish species for the next 100 years, and where to work for the most good.  Peno Creek emerged as one of the highest quality streams in northeast Missouri, and in 2011, the Department made it a priority to protect it.

In 2013, Chris Williamson, district supervisor for MDC, invited watershed landowners to an open house to discuss shared goals.  One of those in attendance was John Sherder of Sherder Farms.  Sherder has 3,500 acres - all of which are in the Peno Creek watershed.

Through trial and error, and listening versus telling, they've been able to document consistent progress in keep soil on the land, and protecting and improving fish and wildlife habitat.  The Peno Creek watershed is a part of the National Fish Habitat Partnership today.