CELEBRATING

POLLINATOR WEEK!

June 18, 2024

Pollinator Week is an annual celebration in support of pollinator health that was initiated and is managed by Pollinator Partnership. It is a time to raise awareness for pollinators and spread the word about what we can do to protect them. The great thing about Pollinator Week is that you can celebrate and get involved any way you like.

Brush up on your pollinator knowledge with NACD’s Pollinator Field Guide, which provides interactive learning experiences for students by engaging them in habitat-focused, pollinator-themed activities for the classroom and outdoors. The guide is also available in Spanish thanks to Puerto Rico's Caribe Soil Conservation District!

One way to celebrate this week is by organizing a pollinator field day. Use NACD's curriculum, which guides educators through the resources and tools needed to conduct a successful field day, including planning and implementation guidelines, materials, and evaluation strategies.

Pollinator Week 2024 is a celebration of the vital role that pollinators play in our ecosystems, economies, and agriculture. Under the inspiring theme "Vision 2040: Thriving ecosystems, economies, and agriculture," this year's event urges us to envision a future where pollinators not only survive but thrive. These essential creatures, including bees, butterflies, moths, bats, beetles, and hummingbirds, are the unsung heroes behind the food we enjoy and the beauty that surrounds us.

Learn more about Pollinator Week here and be sure to tag #PollinatorWeek on social media to share any pollinator activities and initiatives from your district.

NACD SHARES COMMENTS ON GREATER SAGE GROUSE

In March, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) released draft amendments to the Greater Sage Grouse management plans. These amendments propose adjustments based on new rangeland science data and the efficacy of ongoing efforts on public lands. NACD submitted comments encouraging BLM to recognize the incredible work that is currently being done and to strongly consider local input and the impact on rural communities when making critical determinations.

Read NACD’s comments here.

REGISTER EARLY AND SAVE FOR NACD'S SUMMER MEETING

Don't forget to secure your spot at NACD's 2024 Summer Conservation Forum & Tours by registering today! Hosted this year in conjunction with the Northeast Region Meeting, the NACD Summer Meeting will be held in Boston, Massachusetts this August 9-14.

Early bird registration is only open for a limited time, so don't delay. Save $50 per person by registering now!

Hotel rooms in the NACD room block are available to reserve at the Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel. Room rates start at $255/night. Rooms in NACD’s room block are first come, first served and there may be limited or no availability as the deadline for the room block nears. The last day to reserve available rooms in the room block is Friday, July 19.

Experience Boston with us by joining the tours! Included in the cost of registration are an Urban Agriculture and Conservation Tour on Monday that will explore urban agriculture in downtown Boston and an Agriculture Conservation Tour on Tuesday that will explore agricultural education, aquaculture, and more.

Looking to add more fun to your meeting experience? Join us at the Boston Red Sox game on Friday, August 9. Meet up with colleagues at historic Fenway Park and enjoy watching the Sox play ball with the Houston Astros. NACD has reserved 100 seats in the bleachers above the visitor's bullpen for Summer Meeting attendees to enjoy the game while socializing with conservation colleagues from across the country. Tickets are available for purchase when registering.

On Sunday, August 11, hop aboard Boston Duck Tours and enjoy a narrated historic tour of Boston in a “DUCK,” a World War II style amphibious landing vehicle that travels on land and water. Proceeds support the Northeast Association of Conservation District Employees (NACDE). Tickets are available for purchase when registering.

Learn more about the Summer Meeting, see the agenda, and reserve your spot amongst the action now!

Rewatch Latest Conservation Coffee

Missed last week's Conservation Coffee? No problem. Watch here as NACD leadership, including our President Kim LaFleur, CEO Jeremy Peters, and staff share a mid-year membership update.

Learn about the latest NACD and partner activities, current advocacy efforts, and reminders of how to take advantage of your NACD benefits. This is a great opportunity for existing district board and staff members to learn more about the organization, but also a chance for individuals new to the organization to learn more about how NACD serves our membership.

All past sessions are recorded and available on NACD’s YouTube.

Work for NACD!

NACD is currently accepting applications for grant administration support!

This contract position will serve for a six-to-twelve-month term to support pre- and post-award administration. Read the full statement of work for more information and apply by Friday, June 20.

Grassland CRP Signups Close Soon

USDA recently announced that agricultural producers and private landowners can now sign up for the Grassland Conservation Reserve Program. The program is a voluntary working lands conservation program that enables participants to conserve grasslands and provide important conservation benefits for wildlife, soil health, and carbon sequestration, all while continuing most grazing and haying practices.

Signups for the Grassland CRP are open through June 28.

Join SHI Webinar on Economics of SHMS on Grain Farms

The Soil Health Institute (SHI) is hosting a webinar on the economic and on-farm benefits of soil health management systems (SHMS) found in SHI’s study of 15 farms in the United States and Canada, supported by General Mills.

On Thursday, June 20 from 2-3 p.m. ET, join SHI Soil Health Educator Ann Marie Calabro for a session covering the findings, moderated by General Mills Principal Scientist Dr. Steven Rosenzweig. SHI Agricultural Economist Dr. Archie Flanders will join for a Q&A session following the presentation.

Registration is free but required to attend.

Promote your conservation district or state association's tree sale, annual meeting, webinar, field day, or other events on NACD's Calendar of Events!

Submit Events