Last week, the NACD Executive Board announced that it had made the difficult decision to move NACD's 75th Annual Meeting to a completely virtual format due to the ongoing COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.
The 2021 Annual Meeting will be held online from Feb. 1-10, 2021 through NACD's virtual hub and will celebrate the theme "NACD's 75th Anniversary: A Diamond out of the Dust."
Although we are all disappointed not to be meeting face-to-face in New Orleans, where we could greet our fellow members of the conservation family with handshakes and hugs, the safety of our members, our partners and our staff remains NACD’s top priority.
With our 75th anniversary, we are looking to the future, and we see this virtual meeting format as an opportunity. In 2020, as an organization, we’ve had no choice but to adapt and to challenge ourselves to take on the onus of examining ways to improve our diversity, equity and inclusivity. Moving the annual meeting to a virtual format will reduce the cost of participation for meeting attendees. It will allow more flexibility in attendance, as meeting-goers will be able to network and view breakout sessions and leadership-oriented speakers from the comfort of their own homes and offices. And we believe by providing a more accessible meeting, we have an opportunity to reach more of our 17,000 conservation district officials and a greater range of conservationists–in age, experience and geography–than ever before.
We're looking forward to hosting a more innovative meeting than ever before, with the same quality of breakout session presentations, informative symposia and inspiring leadership-oriented speakers as you've come to expect with NACD's Annual Meetings.
Please stay tuned to your email for updates, or subscribe to our annual meeting newsletter if you haven't already, as registration will be launching soon. If you have any questions or comments about the virtual annual meeting, please email us at events@nacdnet.org.
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GEORGIA OFFERS ONLINE AND VIRTUAL SUPERVISOR AND STAFF TRAINING TO DISTRICTS |
In 2019, the Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD) launched a new Online Supervisor and Staff Training program. The state was recognized for developing and implementing a statewide District Officials Training Program (DOTP) for the first time at the 2020 NACD Annual Meeting. To be recognized, GACD self-assessed that their new program covers all 15 categories of training and 50 percent of the recommended training elements identified by NACD and the National Association of State Conservation Agencies (NASCA).
NACD recently spoke with Katie Sponberger, GACD executive director, to learn more about how online training is going for their supervisors and staff, especially since COVID-19 (coronavirus) has forced so many events and training sessions online. Together with the Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission, GACD will also host a Virtual Supervisor and Staff Training on both Nov. 5 and 12, 2020, using these online modules.
"Our online training program has been useful during COVID-19, because it allows us to train all of our new staff remotely," said Sponberger. "This is helpful in preparing our workforce to serve our conservation districts and partners at the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)."
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NCF #FUTUREFOCUSED Q&A WITH MILLIE LANGLEY |
Millie Langley, NCF-Envirothon Chair, grew up on a dairy farm in Ossipee, N.C. She current works as a soil conservationist for the Guilford Soil and Water Conservation District in North Carolina.
Langley also serves as an NCF-Envirothon Representative for the NCF Board of Trustees. She has been involved with NACD since she began her conservation district employment in 1988.
Langley recently spoke with NACD about NCF and NACD, their goals and their legacy.
Why is supporting NACD important to you?
Not only does NACD support the soil and water districts, district employees and district employees association, they now are a very supportive network for the Envirothon. Soil and water conservation districts and the national association are just a great fit for that educational program.
How did you become involved in the Envirothon program?
Somewhere around 1990 and 1991, Mr. Kenneth Langley was the chairman of our state education committee for the North Carolina Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and he asked me to serve on a committee for the new Envirothon program. I said yes, mainly because he was my father-in-law, and it’s the best thing I ever did!
Why is supporting NCF and its programs important to you?
Well, NCF has taken a large role in promoting conservation by adopting the Envirothon and then the Next Generation Leadership Institute (NGLI), so those two main programs are very important to continuing and seeing conservation into the future.
Why should individuals donate to this campaign?
Without the funds, we can’t get the job done. Please donate. I would like to see everyone contribute to this wonderful group of people who care about conservation and the Envirothon.
To read the full interview, visit NACD's blog. Please help support conservation leaders by donating to the #FutureFocused campaign! As we prepare for a new 2021 NGLI cohort and the rescheduled 2021 NCF-Envirothon competition in Lincoln, Neb., set to be held in July 2021, your financial support is needed to help keep these programs moving forward. Every contribution matters, and your support will be matched dollar-for-dollar throughout the campaign. |
FUEL REDUCTION STRATEGIES IN MONTANA |
In Golden Valley and Musselshell counties, wildfires are a common occurrence. However, as with many areas this year, these counties have seen increased activity. Just a few months ago, the area battled the Bobcat Fire, which grew to more than 30,000 acres before it was contained.
After submitting a proposal that details their priorities, which could include fuel breaks, thinning, consultations and more, Reid visits the property to do an assessment and develop a treatment plan and budget. Through the program, landowners have the option to either do the work themselves or hire a contractor. However, Reid is in constant contact with the landowner to help in any way necessary.
In 2019, the first year of the project, the district created six forestry contracts for home defensible spaces. That number has since grown exponentially. So far, 18 contracts have been written in 2020.
“Much of our success is due to education and outreach,” said Wendy Jones, district administrator.
The CD has hosted several fuel mitigation meetings for landowners to learn more about fuel mitigation, planning escape routes, and ensuring that their family is prepared for an evacuation if necessary.
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NACD AND NAITCO STRENGTHEN PARTNERSHIP |
On Oct. 26, NACD Stewardship and Education Coordinator Diana Blackwood attended the National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization (NAITCO)'s Executive Committee's 2020 Virtual D.C. Fly-In. During the meeting, the two organizations provided program updates and discussed the NAITCO-NACD Cooperative Agreement signed earlier this year, and how they can further support each other through NACD's educational initiatives.
The cooperative agreement ensures both NACD and NAITCO promote each other's educational resources and programs to educators so that conservation-related educational materials with a special focus on agriculture end up in classrooms nationwide.
NAITCO's 2021 Conference entitled “Fields of Dreams,” is scheduled for June 28-July 1 at the Iowa Events Center in downtown Des Moines, Iowa. NAITCO hopes to attract over 500 educators and teachers from around the country, who will implement agricultural concepts through core subject areas like math, science and social studies.
To learn more about NAITCO and the conference, as well as information on connecting with your state's Agriculture in the Classroom representative, visit NAITCO's website.
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Pictured from left to right: NACD President Tim Palmer, NACD Soil Health Champions Jimmy Emmons and (Okla.) and Burlin Findley (Fla.) at the 2019 Commodity Classic.
Burlin Findley, his wife Ann and their son Levi farm in the panhandle of Florida on over 600 acres of land, with an additional 900 acres of woodland for hunting. Findley purchased his own farm in 1972, and his operation currently includes cotton, peanuts and corn with cover crops of wheat and oats. His son Levi started farming with him while still in high school and began managing the day-to-day operations in 2005, with his dad by his side. Having farmed for nearly 50 years, Findley helps his son roll with each new season, facing the different challenges it brings together.
The Findleys continue to try new ways to farm, which positively impacts both their soil health and their profitability. The Findleys’ biggest concern for their cropland is wind and water erosion, but by using various soil health practices, they can mitigate, if not eliminate, that concern.
The use of multi species cover crop seed mix for their cool season covers helps build up the necessary nutrients in the soil. They also hold the soil in place with their root systems and provide a protective canopy for the soil. Through adopting a no-till and strip-till system and using precision farming technology, they also minimize soil disturbance, keeping the ground covered and protected with crop residue.
With decades of farming under his belt, Findley has volunteered with NACD to conduct outreach for soil health at the Commodity Classic (pictured above). His message to others in the agricultural industry is that farming with a focus on soil health can have a positive impact on both the environment and a farmer’s bottom line. Of course, it takes some experimentation to see what works and what doesn’t, as there is no one-size-fits-all plan for soil health.
To learn more about Findley’s operation, visit his NACD profile online. If you or someone you know would like to become a member of the NACD Soil Health Champions Network, please visit the NACD website for more information or contact NACD North Central Region Representative Beth Mason at
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NRCS Announces
CIG Recipients
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On Oct. 29, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced its latest round of Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) recipients.
The 2020 funding pool focused on five resource concerns: air quality, water quality, water reuse, energy conservation and wildlife habitat. Reauthorized in the 2018 Farm Bill, this round of CIG grants leverages over $15 million in matching funds, bringing the total investment toward conservation innovation to almost $30 million this year in CIG Classic awards.
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NRCS Releases Conservation At Work Video Series
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The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) recently released a new video series called "Conservation At Work," which highlights farmers and ranchers who have benefited from implementing conservation practices on their operations.
The videos spotlight farmers, ranchers and forestland owners from across the U.S., who tell their conservation stories and how their practices have helped them protect and improve resources, while saving time and money.
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NACD Debuts Executive Directors Webpage |
On this secure webpage, you'll find resources to assist you in growing and strengthening your association, with links to NACD's forums, Zoom meeting discussions, conferences, job postings and more.
If you have any questions or suggestions for forum topics, please contact NACD North Central Region Representative Beth Mason at
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SDACD Releases
Tree Research RFPs
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The South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts (SDACD) is currently accepting proposals for tree research, with approximately $10,000 available in funding.
Single or multi-year proposals may be submitted by any government agency, educational institute, nonprofit or individual. SDACD is hoping to target proposals that examine cost-effective and practical after-planting survival/care, as well as new and improved species that have long-term survivability and regional adaptability. Applications that involve youth in cooperation with education and/or that involve other participants will receive priority.
The deadline to submit your proposal is Thursday, Dec. 31 at 5:00 p.m. Central. To read more about the preliminary tree research needs identified by SDACD and how to apply, click here. |
Docter-Jensen Ranch Receives North Dakota Conservation Award |
This year's winner of the North Dakota Leopold Conservation Award is the Dockter-Jensen Ranch in Sheridan County.
Kerry Dockter's beef cattle ranch operates in a constant state of adaption and innovation, thanks to his careful observation, openness to new perspectives, and ability to work with researchers and nature. Kerry and his wife Brenda have become land management innovators who have tested ways to enhance wildlife and pollinator habitat while improving the ranch's bottom line.
Each year, the North Dakota Leopold Conservation Award, sponsored by the Sand County Foundation, recognizes farmers, ranchers, foresters and other landowners who inspire others with their dedication to the land, water and wildlife habitat management on private, working lands. The award program is made possible thanks to many organizations and foundations, including the North Dakota Association of Soil Conservation Districts, Burleigh County Soil Conservation District, and Emmons County Soil Conservation District.
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Check Out Exclusive Agri Drain Offers at NACD's Marketplace |
Looking for high-quality water management products? NACD, in partnership with Agri Drain, is offering different products for drainage water management, sub-irrigation, wetlands, ponds, lakes, erosion control and land improvement.
From water quality inlets to floating pumps, you'll find all the equipment you will ever need! Orders will ship directly, with freight charges paid by Agri Drain. Place your order today by visiting NACD’s Marketplace. Platinum, diamond and gold level NACD members making a single purchase of $100 or more from the Marketplace can benefit from 20 percent, 15 percent and 10 percent discounts, respectively.
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Register Now:
2020 REPI
Webinar Series
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Sign up for the U.S. Department of Defense’s Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Program's 2020 Webinar Series today!
Held monthly, these webinars showcase best practices and lessons learned from REPI partnerships nationwide that support military missions and accelerate the pace of conservation. All webinars begin at 1:00 p.m. Eastern. The next webinar, scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 18, will identify challenges that military installations are facing due to changing environmental conditions, and highlight best-practices learned from ongoing projects in order to equip installations and partners with the knowledge necessary to execute successful REPI resilience projects.
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BluePrint Media Launches Trailblazing in Agriculture Podcast
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BluePrint Media recently announced the launch of its podcast series entitled "Trailblazing in Agriculture."
Released monthly, the podcast series will dive into specific segments of the agriculture industry to tell the unique stories of people who have made significant contributions to the diverse segments of agriculture. This month's podcast features trailblazing women in agriculture.
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Promote your conservation district or state association's tree sale, annual meeting, webinar, field day or more on NACD's Calendar of Events!
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