On Wednesday, May 25, the U.S. House of Representatives Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry held a hearing titled “Supporting Careers in Conservation: Workforce Training, Education, and Job Opportunities.” NACD President Michael Crowder was called to testify during this hearing and offered his expertise as a producer, educator, and conservation professional. In his testimony, President Crowder addressed the challenges currently facing our conservation workforce, highlighted the effects these issues have on conservation delivery, and showcased NACD’s efforts to bring more conservation experiences to students of all ages.

“From elementary school to colleges and beyond we need to inspire, educate, and provide more opportunities for the next generation to enter the conservation workforce. NACD is proud to be taking action to achieve this goal,” said President Crowder.

The hearing reviewed the challenges and opportunities that the conservation career field faces, featuring other expert witnesses including Mr. Shane O'Neill of the University of Maine on behalf of The Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities, Mr. Keith Olander with Central Lakes College, Dr. Margaret Holzer with the Soil Science Society of America, Ms. Marissa Jensen with Pheasants Forever, Inc. and Quail Forever, and Ms. Tracy Schohr of the University of California Cooperative Extension. All witnesses offered unique perspectives on how the conservation workforce can be supported and how to bring conservation education to students to train and build the next generation of conservation leaders.

Throughout the hearing, witnesses and members of the Subcommittee commented on how conservation practices serve producers and landowners across the country. This service to the nation’s communities is why supporting those on the ground is so critical to the continued success of natural resource management. In his testimony President Crowder stated, “Producers are on the front lines of ensuring global food security as well as protecting our country’s natural resources. Our conservation workforce plays a critical role in achieving this goal by providing producers the resources and assistance necessary to implement effective conservation practices.”

In his opening remarks Representative LaMalfa commented on the tremendous natural resource concerns in his district and across the country, and how Farm Bill conservation programs provide producers with the tools to address those needs. He also recognized that more boots on the ground are needed to successfully implement many of these programs. He said "it’s important that we meet objectives of these conservation plans and we need the people to do that.”

During the hearing members and witnesses also discussed how to provide conservation education to students from kindergarten through college. They commented on how bringing conservation into the classroom at any stage can show students what opportunities exist for them in the field. In her closing statement, Chairwoman Spanberger summarized the overarching theme of the hearing and the conversations. “I think the whole committee is in agreement that truly technical assistance is incredibly important, be it at NRCS or helping out in our communities," she said. "The pipelines to get us to that tremendous resource across our communities is incredibly important.” 

The National Conservation Foundation (NCF) Envirothon is an environmental and natural resource conservation problem-solving, teambuilding, and leadership experience and competition for high school students (grades 9-12 or ages 14-19). Participating students from across the United States, Canada, and China compete locally each year for the opportunity to represent their state or province. Incorporating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) principles, experiential learning, and hands-on outdoor field experiences, the NCF-Envirothon fosters student learning in the areas of aquatic ecology, forestry, soils and land use, wildlife, and a different environmental issue each year. Students are challenged to develop critical thinking skills to create inventive solutions for the complex environmental and natural resource issues facing our world today.

Participating students are empowered to educate others, act in their local communities, pursue higher academic study in environmental disciplines, and work towards careers in the environment, natural resources and conservation.

Across the country, states and territories are hosting regional competitions to determine what team will represent them at the 2022 NCF-Envirtothon. One of these states was North Dakota, where on May 16, more than 70 students gathered in Bismarck for the 22nd Annual North Dakota State Envirothon Competition. Teams' overall scores included the scores from each of the five subject tests as well as an oral presentation on a real-world environmental scenario,

Third place went to the Center-Stanton “Hornets”’ coached by Brooke Boeshans and Jodi Hintz, and sponsored by the Oliver County Soil Conservation District. Second place went to the Kenmare High School “Icy Rubber Duckies”, coached by Laura Mibeck, and sponsored by the Ward County Soil Conservation District. The Bismarck High School “Water Buffalos,” coached by Valerie Smallbeck and sponsored by the Burleigh County Soil Conservation District, received top honors and will represent North Dakota at the 2022 NCF-Envirothon Competition in Miami, OH on July 24-30.

The 2022 Competition Study Resources are now available on the NCF-Envirothon website.

NACD wants you to look and feel your best this summer whether you are on the farm, by the pool, hiking, biking, or walking down the streets of San Juan with us at the Summer Meeting! We've added a selection of new items on our marketplace just for summer, including hats, shirts, cups, and more. Check them out and get them personalized with the Conservation C logo (or our partner logos) to represent your conservation efforts while staying stylish all season long.

“Our ability to produce and access quality food and water depends on the health of our nation’s soils,” said NACD President Michael Crowder. “This year’s Stewardship Week represents the continued awareness and recognition of the importance of effective conservation practices to maintain access to our natural resources for future generations.”

Alabaman 3rd graders learned about cover crops through a rainfall simulator! Jessica Williams with NRCS in Monroe County, Alabama lead engaging soil lessons for students and adults alike. You can view Ms. Williams’ lesson here: https://fb.watch/d2UsY-YmvM/

Thank you to all the districts who celebrated Stewardship Week and helped make it successful! You can continue to celebrate the “Healthy Soil, Healthy Life” theme by participating in NACD’s poster contest, which closes December 1. Winners will be announced at our 2023 Annual Meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana.

NACD is hosting a forestry webinar on June 10 at 1:00 p.m. ET, moderated by NACD Northeast Region Representative Annica McGuirk. This webinar will explore the upcoming fire season, resources available for natural resource professionals, district activities in Washington state, and will include a conversation between two districts that participated in the revision process of their Community Wildfire Protection Plan.

Presenters include Kacey KC from the Nevada Division of Forestry, Jenny Coe from Whatcom and Skagit Conservation Districts, and Kai Hoffman-Krull from San Juan Islands Conservation District.

1.5 Cat 1 CFEs available. Register for more details!

For a limited time if you donate $75 or more to the Friends of NACD campaign, you will receive a complimentary neck gaiter with the Conservation C logo! Donations will support the Friends of NACD District Grants program, which funds projects from individual conservation districts across thee country. Show your dedication to conservation and protect your neck this summer!

The program offers direct financial support for farmers who seek to join the effort to mitigate climate change through use of agroforestry applications. Agroforestry practices sequester carbon, sustain productive and healthy farms and forests, protect water quality, regenerate soils, and enhance biodiversity. Learn more and apply here.

The new program seeks to encourage, support, and highlight research from underrepresented groups in forestry and natural resources. The 2022 program will offer a $10,000 scholarship for a compelling research proposal. Scholarship funds will help bring the scholar to DC for unique networking opportunities and offset educational expenses. Graduate students, post-doctoral students, faculty, or early-career professionals (within 5 years of degree) are eligible to apply. Applications are due June 1 at 11:59 p.m. Hawaiian ST. 

Learn more and apply here.

• Bring Back the Native Fish Request for Proposals: pre-proposal due June 2, 2022 by 11:59 p.m. ET. Learn more.

See the full library of upcoming grant opportunities from NFWF on their website.

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