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NACD's Fall 2023 edition of The Resource has arrived! Click here to explore this latest publication.
NACD, conservation districts, state and territory associations, and partners across the U.S. work daily to conserve natural resources on working and natural lands. In this edition of The Resource you'll find updates on grants, programs, and more.
You'll also read about how conservation districts champion locally led conservation in their communities, including:
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A biochar program by West Virginia's conservation districts to explore uses for regenerative agriculture and carbon sequestration;
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The Lucas Soil and Water Conservation District's efforts in farmland preservation in Ohio; and
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A program from the Hutchinson Soil and Water Conservation District to bring an outdoor classroom to West Texas elementary students.
On behalf of all of us at NACD, we are proud to be your national voice and look forward to the great work we will continue to accomplish as we wrap up this year.
| JOIN NACD ON DECEMBER 14 FOR CONSERVATION COFFEE SESSION | |
Join NACD and our District and Partner Relations Committee for the next Conservation Coffee, a virtual learning and networking opportunity for districts and their partners!
On December 14 at 3:00 p.m. ET via Zoom, learn from Matt Miller, the Leadership Development Program Manager for the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts. Matt will discuss Pennsylvania's efforts to support conservation districts with strategic planning.
Registration for the session is free and open to anyone with an interest in joining!
If you're unable to attend live, the session will be recorded and shared later. Check out the previous session on the Friends of NACD District Grant Program here.
If you would like to volunteer for a future coffee to share projects, success stories, provide a mini training opportunity, etc., please reach out to Dr. Ariel Rivers, NACD’s Director of Membership Engagement.
| NCF LAUNCHES FALL FUNDRAISER | |
NACD's sister organization, the National Conservation Foundation (NCF), provides crucial programming that strengthens the next generation of conservation leaders. YOU are a critical component of this programming. With your support, we have been able to provide everything from monthly training and development opportunities to scholarships for young leaders looking to make the world an even better place.
NCF has recently launched their fall campaign with the goal of raising $20K by the end of the calendar year. To hit the goal, NCF needs your help.
Your support enables crucial conservation education programming like the NFC-Envirothon, which reaches more than 25,000 high school students annually. The future is bright - help make it brighter with a donation.
Learn more and pledge your support at bit.ly/DonationNCF.
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WHAT'S UP IN WASHINGTON:
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS UPDATE
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On November 17, President Biden signed a continuing resolution (CR) into law to extend current levels of federal funding and avert a government shutdown. Unlike previous CRs, the bill funds a portion of the federal government (including the U.S. Department of Agriculture) until January 19 and the remaining agencies until February 2. Congress must pass appropriations bills or another CR before those deadlines to prevent a government shutdown.
The CR also includes a year-long extension of the 2018 Farm Bill, which supports commodity programs in 2024 and USDA initiatives that experienced lapses in funding, including feral swine eradication, urban agriculture, and research. House and Senate agriculture committees are continuing to work to develop and introduce a new farm bill.
NACD’s 2024 Spring Fly-in has been tentatively scheduled for March 20, 2024 in Washington, DC. Please stay tuned for more details and an event agenda.
| NEW EDUCATION MATERIALS LAUNCHED FOR 2024 | |
The NACD Stewardship Week, an annual program since 1955, stands as one of the nation’s largest initiatives dedicated to promoting the conservation of natural resources. Occurring between the last Sunday in April and the first Sunday in May, this week-long event serves as a powerful reminder of our personal responsibilities to safeguard our precious natural resources.
In 2024, as we celebrate the 68th Annual Stewardship Week from April 28 to May 5, the theme “May the Forest Be with You, Always” takes center stage. This theme underscores the critical interplay between soil and water conservation and the resilience of our forests. Forests play multifaceted roles in sustaining our planet, serving as sources of oxygen, carbon storage, and vibrant hubs of biodiversity. They function as steadfast protectors of soil and water resources, preventing erosion, purifying contaminants, and nurturing healthy watersheds.
NACD is excited to share that more education materials are now available for free download here. You can now find activity mats, bookmarks, posters, presentations, rack cards, and more. These products can also all be customized with your district's contact information and logo! Information about the 2024 poster and photo contests is also now available.
If you have any questions, issues downloading materials, or customization requests, please reach out to stewardship@nacdnet.org.
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NACD Closed for Thanksgiving | |
NACD will be closed on Thursday, November 23, for Thanksgiving.
We extend a special thank you to the farmers and producers who work year round to bring food to our tables.
| NACD Seeks Director of Programs | |
NACD is seeking a Director of Conservation Programs that will be responsible for providing oversight of the organization’s portfolio of grants, agreements, and contracts. This position will develop funding opportunities, design and administer grant programs, and work closely with our partners. They will also provide leadership to achieve all stated outcomes and ensure overall compliance.
This is a full time position that can be remote or based in Washington, DC.
Interested candidates should apply by Friday, November 24 for priority consideration. Learn more on NACD's website.
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Economics of Soil Health Systems Farmer Focus:
Tom Klug
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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.
In Minnesota, the Klug farm increased profitability with cover crops, crop rotation, and reduced tillage and no till practices.
Check out a video, producer narrative, and fact sheet about this farm, and all other farms in the study, here.
| Apply for NCF-Envirothon Diversity Grant Program | |
The National Conservation Foundation (NCF) Envirothon program is accepting applications for awards of up to $4,000 for U.S. state programs for Diversity Enhancement and Underserved Audience Grant projects. Qualifying projects seek to provide traditionally underserved students with exposure to the Envirothon program with a focus on the five areas of study: aquatic ecology, forestry, soils and land use, wildlife, and current environmental issues.
Conservation districts, including tribal districts, may participate by partnering with their local state Envirothon program to apply. Projects may concentrate on a particular school, school system, conservation district, or have a state-wide focus. All state Envirothon programs who are current on their Membership Dues are eligible to apply.
Those interested in applying may view the complete request for proposals on the NCF-Envirothon Diversity Grant webpage, and apply by 11:59 p.m. ET, Friday, December 15, 2023. Awards will be announced in early February 2024.
| Funding Opportunity for Appalachia Area Farmers | |
Accelerating Appalachia has launched the Building Soil, Building Equity Initiative!
Through an $18 million Farmer Fund, participants will receive financial support, technical training in regenerative agriculture, connections to business development support, and resources to increase market growth opportunities. The Building Soil, Building Equity Initiative's goal is to build soil health and expand climate-smart farming practices across Central/Southern Appalachia and the rural southeast.
Applications from food, fiber, and forest farmers are now being accepted. To be considered for the first cohort of the program, applications must be received by December 1, 2023.
Learn more here.
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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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