|
This year's annual NACD Spring Fly-In is tomorrow, Wednesday, March 20, 2024! View the agenda to see all scheduled events for the day and learn more here.
Please note the updated room for the evening reception. The reception will be held in the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, Room SVC 212-10, First Street SE, Washington, D.C. 20515. We look forward to seeing you there!
RSVP here to share with us the in-person events you plan to attend and information about your scheduled meetings with legislators.
| |
NACD held virtual advocacy trainings last week to provide tips on how to effectively engage with congressional representatives and support policy priorities to prepare for the 2024 Spring Fly-In meetings. You can watch the recording of the training here.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Chris Young, NACD Director of Government Affairs, at chris-young@nacdnet.org.
| GEAR UP FOR NACD'S 2024 STEWARDSHIP WEEK | |
Conservation Districts are gearing up for this year's Stewardship Week, hosted April 28 - May 5, 2024, centered around the theme "May the Forest Be with You, Always."
In preparation, NACD has released a number of free educational resources, including worksheets, activity guides, and lesson plans. Also available are bookmarks, coloring pages, stickers, and more giveaways for students. Districts can also market themselves with our customizable rack cards and posters!
Forestry conservation stands as a cornerstone of our broader conservation district efforts by preserving natural habitats, supporting biodiversity, and ensuring the sustainability of our ecosystems. With this year's Stewardship Week, we underscore the significance of forestry conservation and highlight the collective responsibility we share in safeguarding our forests for generations to come.
Find these, and other materials to prep for Stewardship Week, on NACD's website.
| APPLY FOR URBAN AND COMMUNITY GRANTS |  | |
Time is running out to apply for this round of Urban and Community Conservation (UAC) Grants!
We are again accepting applications for up to $60,000 to support projects that promote the delivery of conservation technical assistance in urban and community-oriented settings, including projects that serve rural populations. See the full RFP online, with applications due April 1, 2024 by 11:59 p.m. PT.
With over 100 example projects already completed or active in 35 states (see NACD’s UAC Story Map), conservation districts have provided technical assistance to urban and smallholder farmers on soil health, pollinators, biodiversity conservation, native plants, irrigation and water management, and a variety of other technical topics.
While not a required aspect of the grants, many conservation districts have used their UAC grants to further develop their own programming related to underrepresented clients. Many grantees have addressed food security and sovereignty within their local communities, as well as supported minority farmers, migrant communities, and others who may not have traditionally accessed conservation district programming. Potential UAC applicants are encouraged to read NACD’s Board Statement on Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity to understand our commitment to equitable programming.
Any questions related to the UAC grant may be directed to Rachel Theler at rachel-theler@nacdnet.org.
| NCPP ASKS FOR FEEDBACK ON CONSERVATION PLANNING | |
The National Conservation Planning Partnership (NCPP) is asking for your feedback! All partners are invited to share their opinions by completing a survey on conservation planning certification, advancement, and the overall conservation planning process.
The survey should only take 8-10 minutes to complete. Your feedback will help the partnership evaluate new and ongoing challenges and set priority tactics moving forward.
| |
|
Economics of Soil Health Systems
Farmer Focus:
Noah Williams
| |
NACD, the Soil Health Institute, and NRCS recently released economic findings from 30 farmers who adopted soil health management systems. Each week, we will be highlighting one farm from this study.
The Noah Williams farm in the Middle Columbia Watershed of Oregon increased profitability for winter wheat and sunflower by increasing winter wheat yield and decreasing production costs for sunflower with a SHMS of no-till production and cover crops. Additional benefits included improved soil structure, decreased erosion, and enhanced resilience to water stress.
Check out a video, producer narrative, and fact sheet about this farm, and all other farms in the study, here.
| USDA Announces Climate-Smart Easement Investments | |
As part of national investments in climate-smart agriculture and forestry, the USDA recently announced that 138 projects in 22 states have been tentatively selected to receive $138 million in Inflation Reduction Act funding for climate-smart conservation easements through NRCS' Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). Learn more in this press release.
To strengthen implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act, NRCS is streamlining ACEP, and the process of appraisals, land surveys, and certifying eligible entities who help NRCS and producers enroll land into agricultural land easements.
| Field to Market Opens Award Nominations | |
Each year, Field to Market recognizes exemplary leadership by farmers, trusted advisers, and collaborations with our Awards and Recognition program. By submitting a nomination, you are cultivating a community committed to advancing our collective goals.
Nominations for Farmer of the Year, Trusted Adviser of the Year, and Collaboration of the Year must be submitted by June 30 to be considered for the 2024 Sustainability Leadership Awards.
| Promote your conservation district or state association's tree sale, annual meeting, webinar, field day, or other events on NACD's Calendar of Events! | |
