The National Conservation Foundation's (NCF) 2021 Annual Report has arrived! Click the cover above to begin browsing the publication.
This past year, NCF has worked hard to continue to adapt its programs to best support the delivery of locally-led conservation and the creation of future conservation leaders in a hybrid world. From virtual NCF-Envirothon competitions to returning to in-person sessions for the Next Generation Leadership Institute (NGLI), NCF has found ways to continue its mission and strengthen its brand identity in spite of the pandemic.
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NCF ANNOUNCES 2022 NCF-ENVIROTHON COMPETION |
The National Conservation Foundation (NCF) recently announced that the 33rd Annual NCF-Envirothon Competition will be held July 24-30 in Oxford, OH in partnership with the Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (OFSWCD). The NCF-Envirothon Competition brings together high school students from across the United States, Canada, and China to complete for more than $30,000 in prizes and awards in the five areas of study: aquatic ecology, forestry, soils and land use, wildlife, and this year’s current issue.
“We are extremely happy to be back together this year for the 2022 competition,” NCF Chair Brent Van Dyke said. “These students are the future of conservation and Envirothon gives them the tools needed to protect and lead in the areas of environmental stewardship and conservation.”
The 2022 NCF-Envirothon will spotlight the ecology and natural resources of Ohio, with a special focus on this year’s current issue of “Waste to Resources.” Students will learn about different types of waste and explore how various waste management strategies impact natural resources. Students will be challenged to examine the social, economic, and political impacts of reclaiming and repurposing waste products and degraded lands. Complete event details can be found on the Envirothon website.
Read the full announcement on NCF's website. |
JOIN THE ONE WATER SUMMIT DELEGATION |
The Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS), the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD), and the National Association of State Conservation Agencies (NASCA) invite members and partners to join them as part of the Soil and Water Conservation Delegation at the at the 2022 One Water Summit, September 13- 15, 2022, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The One Water Summit is an opportunity for our organizations to connect with stakeholders in the drinking and wastewater sectors about opportunities to collaborate with our members—conservation professionals, districts, and state conservation agencies—who are implementing water solutions through their work on watersheds, working and natural lands, source water protection, and more.
Participants of Soil and Water Conservation Delegation will receive a discounted registration and a curated summit experience that aligns with soil and water conservation issues and opportunities. Together, through our shared summit experience, our delegation will identify and develop new strategies to tackle challenges back home.
Learn more about the summit and how to register here. |
The joint NACD-NRCS Urban Agriculture Conservation (UAC) grant initiative has provided over five years of great examples of districts providing technical assistance to agricultural sites at schools, and Kittitas County Conservation District (KCCD) in Washington provides one of those many examples.
Through a 2020 UAC grant, KCCD partnered with the Thorp School District to assist them with their Farm to School project. Thorp is a small, rural school district in the heart of the Kittitas Valley in central Washington, where almost half of the students are considered economically disadvantaged.
The district began planning their farm to school project in 2018. Thorp taxpayers passed a Capital Projects Levy to help fund the “Farm to School” infrastructure by remodeling the shop and computer lab, building a greenhouse, and remodeling the kitchen in an older building. These resources were provided as match to the UAC grant, while also providing additional spaces to gather and support workshops and garden activities.
Groundbreaking for the greenhouse and crop area began in 2020, with some delays due to COVID. The first effort was a pumpkin patch, where harvest supported the newly formed FFA Chapter at the school.
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At the same time, the greenhouse facility and a pergola for outdoor learning were constructed. Utilities were extended from the school to both facilities. A pollinator garden was planted, as were native plants along an adjacent waterway. An underground irrigation system was installed for the crop and pollinator garden area. The School also incorporated a nature trail that can double as a cross country trail. The work was mostly conducted by district and school staff, with support from Veteran Conservation Corps interns.
To also share information about pollinators, KCCD worked with a consultant and the school to develop a new Blooming Bee Garden website, which features photos, videos, and a blog. The website is intended to allow the community, both Thorp and Kittitas County, to learn more about the Farm to School project. The same consultant also helped the district create materials, in both Spanish and English, start school gardens at other locations.
While the project provides learning opportunities for other districts who may want to partner with schools, Anna Lael KCCD District Manager, stated, “projects are definitely easier when working with a highly motivated school district. We were fortunate to come into a situation with exceptionally strong support from the Superintendent and staff.” Lael attributes much of KCCD’s success to building support and a strong partnership before applying for the UAC grant.
Read more about all grantees through NACD’s Urban Agriculture Conservation Initiative online. |
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NACD Summer Meeting Kicks Off This Week! |
We are so excited to see so many of you there! If you can't make it, stay tuned for next week's special Summer Meeting edition of eResource for the recap.
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NACD Welcomes New Government Affairs Associate |
On Monday, July 12, 2022, NACD welcomed Connor Simons as our new Government Affairs Associate.
Simons joins NACD from the University of Virginia, where he gained a degree in Government with a focus on American Politics. During his time there he served as a staff writer for the Virginia Review of Politics, a student-led publication that worked to make politics accessible to people of all ages and interests. Simons also worked as a Communications Intern for the Mediation Center of Charlottesville which provides low-cost legal services to residents facing domestic and custodial disputes.
Connor loves crosswords, Jeopardy, and all things sports. If he isn’t doing one of the three, he is probably outside exploring the sights that Washington, D.C. has to offer. Growing up in Spotsylvania County, VA and spending summers hiking, kayaking, and fishing with his family in Oregon instilled a deep appreciation for nature and the varying challenges facing conservation across the country.
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NACD Career Opportunities: |
Natural Resource Policy Specialist: NACD is seeking a full-time Natural Resource Policy Specialist that will work with the Government Affairs Team to develop NACD’s policy priorities and work with congressional offices, federal agencies, stakeholder groups, and coalitions to advance them. Apply by Friday, July 22, 2022 to receive priority consideration.
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Crowder to Testify at House Agriculture Committee Farm Bill Listening Session |
On Friday, July 22, the House Agriculture Committee will host a public farm bill listening session as part of a series titled “A 2022 Review of the Farm Bill: Perspectives from the Field” at Remlinger Farms in Carnation, Washington. NACD President, Michael Crowder plans to attend the listening session to share NACD priorities and show support for conservation efforts across the country. You can tune into the listening session here.
The House Agriculture Committee continues to hold hearings and listening sessions throughout the country to inform the development of the 2023 Farm Bill. You can watch previous hearings and view upcoming events on the committee’s website. |
Submit Comments on 2023 Farm Bill |
The House Agriculture Committee has invited producers, stakeholders, and consumers to submit comments describing how farm bill programs have been working for them and what could be improved in the 2023 Farm Bill. Feedback and suggestions pertaining to programs within any title of the 2018 Farm Bill will be accepted. NACD is working with congressional leaders to support Title II conservation programs and encourages members to highlight the importance of these programs and provide any additional input. NACD’s 2023 Farm Bill principles can be viewed here. |
Promote your conservation district or state association's tree sale, annual meeting, webinar, field day, or other events on NACD's Calendar of Events!
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