Join NACD and our District and Partner Relations Committee for the next Conservation Coffee, a virtual learning and networking opportunity for districts and their partners! On October 12 at 3:00 p.m. ET via Zoom, learn from two past Friends of NACD Grantees during a virtual, informal presentation as they share the outcomes of their grant projects.

As one of the first Friends of NACD grantees, Richland SWCD in South Carolina started a seed library in 2020. Mary Hannah Freely will share how they started the program, and how it has grown since they started the project. As a 2023 grantee, Benton CD in Washington, leveraged their Friends of NACD grant to start an Energy and STEM Academy. Rachel Little will share the success of the program to date.

These grant projects are funded through the Friends of NACD program, which includes individuals and organizations who support the nation’s nearly 3,000 conservation districts through cash donations to NACD. Since Fiscal Year 2020, Friends of NACD have awarded nearly $60,000 in grant funding to 24 districts across the country. Conservation districts must be members of NACD to apply, so remember to pay your dues before the end of the fiscal year (Sept. 30), if you would like to apply for a grant in the next round of funding!

We expect to announce the open application period in mid-October, so come learn from these grantees at the Conservation Coffee, and start planning your project.

Registration for the session is free and open to anyone with an interest in joining!

If you're unable to attend live, the session will be recorded and shared later. Check out last month's session on the Next Generation Leadership Institute here. If you would like to volunteer for a future coffee to share projects, success stories, provide a mini training opportunity, etc., please reach out to Dr. Ariel Rivers, NACD’s Director of Membership Engagement.

NGLI COHORT COMPLETES CAPSTONE PROJECTS

As the 2023 Next Generation Leadership Institute (NGLI) cohort wraps up their year-long leadership journey, they have been tasked with a capstone project. This project aims to encourage them to flex their new muscles as strategic planners while solving a challenge in their home conservation district. Through this exercise, it is hoped that they will gain real world experience in planning while also using their knowledge gained in the program to help their local conservation districts.

As the group works on their projects, they are also continuing their education through monthly webinars. They will present their projects at the final December webinar to a group of their peers, at which point they will be considered finished with the curriculum. The 2023 class of the NGLI Program will graduate at the NACD Annual meeting in San Diego, California in February 2024.

As this cohort’s experience draws to a close, the National Conservation Foundation (NCF) is looking ahead to the next cohort. Applications for the 2024 cohort of the Next Generation Leadership Institute will close this Saturday, September 30, so apply now if you are interested. For more information or to apply, please visit www.nationalconservationfoundation.org/ngli/. 

NACD LAUNCHES REGISTRATION FOR 2024 ANNUAL MEETING

Set sail for NACD's 2024 Annual Meeting! Hosted in partnership with the California Association of Resource Conservation Districts, next year's meeting will take place in San Diego, California from February 10-14, 2024.  Join us for great networking opportunities, speakers, and tours exploring the theme "Operation Conservation!" Registration is now open, and tour options will be added soon.

Save up to $130 on registration with early-bird prices, now through December 22.

After registering, don't forget to make your hotel reservations! The meeting will be held at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina. Discounted room rates in NACD's reserved block start at $259/night plus tax. You can make a reservation online or call 1-888-236-2427 and identify yourself as a guest with the National Association of Conservation Districts. The last day to reserve available rooms in the room block is January 19, 2024.

There are already numerous ways to engage ahead of the meeting: submit a breakout session proposal, donate to the NCF auction, or become a sponsor or exhibitor.

Find everything you need to know on NACD's website.

WHAT'S UP IN WASHINGTON:

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS UPDATE

Congress is continuing to struggle to pass spending bills needed to prevent a government shutdown on October 1. A small group of House Republicans are pushing for even deeper cuts to federal funding than the reduced levels currently included in House appropriations bills, while also refusing to pass a continuing resolution to temporarily extend current funding to prevent a shutdown. Any continuing resolution or FY24 spending bills will also require the approval of the Democratically controlled Senate and the President. 

Ahead of a potential shutdown, NACD encourages districts to communicate with their local NRCS and other agency offices to understand impacts and develop contingency plans. In the coming days, NACD will communicate any additional shutdown recommendations provided by relevant agencies. 

Missed last week's live update? Watch the recorded session from NACD's Government Affairs team here.

NUTURING A PASSION FOR NATURE IN THE HEART OF KY

In the heart of Kentucky, Boone County is home to an array of habitats, from lush forests to meandering streams. These natural areas play a crucial role in preserving local biodiversity and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. At the forefront of conservation efforts in Boone County is the Boone County Conservation District (BCCDKY).

BCCDKY has long been a leader of environmental education and conservation efforts in the community. Their commitment to engaging and educating the public about natural resources has expanded to encompass individuals of all ages. One of BCCDKY's key programs is the Conservation Kids Camp, designed to inspire young minds aged 9 to 12. This week-long adventure takes campers outdoors, immersing them in activities like fishing, hiking, exploring, and nature studies. It's an opportunity for children to connect with nature and cultivate a lifelong love for the environment.

BCCDKY recognized a critical gap when campers outgrew the program, there were no structured opportunities for these budding conservationists to continue their journey. To address this, BCCDKY introduced the "Pathway to Conservation Leadership" initiative, designed to offer a structured pathway for students interested in conservation and environmental stewardship.

In 2019, the L.E.A.F! Academy was launched as a cornerstone of the "Pathway to Conservation Leadership." This unique program, made possible with the support of the Boone County Parks Department and other partner organizations, provides students aged 13 to 15 with an immersive outdoor experience. Activities range from snorkeling in creeks to kayaking, hiking, and educational field trips to local partner organizations. The L.E.A.F! Academy has a strong emphasis on hands-on learning and exploration. Students don't just learn about conservation, they become active champions of it. Through wildlife monitoring, stream assessments, and invasive species management, they get their hands dirty and make a tangible impact on the environment.

BCCDKY's "Pathway to Conservation Leadership" program is a testament to their dedication to nurturing a new generation of conservationists. By expanding their initiatives to include local youth, they are sowing the seeds of a more sustainable and greener future for the Boone County community and beyond. BCCDKY empowers young leaders to maintain and improve the quality and productivity of their environmental surroundings. With this initiative, they are not only cultivating a passion for conservation but also inspiring the leaders who will shape the future of Boone County's natural habitats.

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