FRIENDS OF NACD GRANT APPLICATIONS LAUNCH

NACD is excited to announce the launch of its application period for the 2025 Friends of NACD District Grants Program.

This year, NACD and Scotts Miracle Gro are partnering to award the 2025 grants. Now in its sixth round of funding, the Friends of NACD District Grants Program is an initiative of the NACD District and Partner Relations Committee. The 2025 program will award top-ranking applicants up to $2,500 each to conduct new activities or test novel approaches to their operations.

Past grantees have implemented projects that have helped to enhance their visibility within their communities, reach new clients, and grow their partnerships. Examples include an Arbor Day tree-planting partnership event hosted by the Rio Grande Conservation District, a 2024 grantee in Center, CO; a climate resilience focused educational demonstration forest project created by the Oxford County Soil and Water Conservation District, a 2023 grantee in Hiram, Maine; an educational outreach program to increase invasive species awareness led by the Clark County Soil and Water Conservation District in Indiana, a 2022 grantee; the Start Farming Mentorship Program started by the Duval Soil and Water Conservation District, a 2021 grantee in Jacksonville, Florida; and a recycling bin for agricultural chemical containers constructed by the Butte Soil and Water Conservation District, a 2020 grantee in Arco, Idaho.

Requests for proposals are open through November 30, 2024.

The Friends of NACD program was established in 2009 to enable individuals and organizations to support the nation’s approximately 3,000 conservation districts through cash donations to NACD. Consider becoming a member of the Friends of NACD network to further support this important grassroots effort!

Learn more about Friends of NACD and the District Grants Program and apply on NACD’s website. Any questions about the program can be directed to Caleb Griffin at caleb-griffin@nacdnet.org.

JOIN NACD IN SALT LAKE CITY

Have you heard the buzz? NACD wants you to join us at the 2025 Annual Meeting! Hosted in partnership with the Utah Association of Conservation Districts, next year's meeting will take place in Salt Lake City, UT from February 8-12, 2025. Join us in the Beehive State to explore the theme "Bee the Change: Reaching New Summits in Conservation!"

Registration is now open! Don't let the opportunity fly by. Act now to get an early bird discounted rate.

Full registration includes entry into the National Conservation Showcase, General and Breakout Sessions, Monday’s Leadership Luncheon and NCF Live Auction, and Tuesday's Appreciation Banquet.

Ready to book?

All the details on registration and exclusive hotel and travel discounts, including special discounted airfare with Delta Airlines, can be found on NACD's Annual Meeting webpage. If you have any questions or want to be a sponsor for the event, contact events@nacdnet.org. We can't wait to bee in SLC with you!

LAST CHANCE TO APPLY FOR NCF'S NEXT GENERATION LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE

The deadline to submit applications for the 2025 cohort of the National Conservation Foundation's (NCF) Next Generation Leadership Institute (NGLI) has been extended to October 14, 2024!

NGLI is a year-long training that equips cohort members with the skills needed to build a better tomorrow. The program includes a gathering at the NACD annual meeting, a six-day, mid-year session, and virtual learning sessions throughout the year.

Learn more about the NGLI program and apply on the NGLI program page. Contact Keith Owen, NACD Director of Education with any questions.

SUPPORT NCF WITH A DONATION TO THE LIVE AUCTION

During the 2025 NACD Annual Meeting, NACD's sister organization, the National Conservation Foundation (NCF) will host their Live Auction on February 10 in support of the NCF-Envirothon program and the Next Generation Leadership Institute. 

Individuals, conservation districts, and state associations are encouraged to donate unique items for the NCF Auction. Items can feature local artists, a special product made only in your state or territory, or interesting items with a conservation theme. Popular items have included pottery, jewelry, and “made in” agriculture products.

Submit items at nationalconservationfoundation.org/auction.

WHAT'S UP IN WASHINGTON?

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS UPDATES

Hurricane Helene has taken hundreds of lives and caused widespread damage across several southeastern states. Please share FEMA and USDA resources with those impacted and stay updated on changing conditions and alerts from local authorities.

USDA announced an additional $250 million in automatic payments for distressed direct and guaranteed farm loan borrowers through the Inflation Reduction Act. Read USDA’s press release to learn more.

Last week, NRCS announced up to $7.7 billion in funding to help producers implement conservation practices on working lands in Fiscal Year 2025. This is more than double the amount that was available last year due to the addition of $5.7 billion in climate-smart funding from the Inflation Reduction Act. Read NRCS’s press release for more information.

NACD SOUTH CENTRAL REGION FOCUSES ON FOOD SOVEREIGNTY IN THE OSAGE NATION

During the recent NACD South Central Region meeting held in the Osage Nation of Oklahoma, hosted by the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts, attendees had the opportunity to learn about food sovereignty initiatives that are transforming the tribal community.

A highlight of the event was the Osage Nation's dedication to enhancing food production for its members. Attendees were introduced to a state-of-the-art butchering facility that supports local meat production while also preserving traditional practices and cultural heritage. This facility plays a critical role in ensuring tribal members have access to healthy, locally sourced meat, reinforcing the community's connection to their food systems.

Additionally, participants explored an aquaponics farm, an innovative endeavor aimed at providing fresh produce and three species of fish year-round. This initiative not only diversifies food sources but also empowers tribal members economically, promoting self-sufficiency and resilience within the community. By utilizing modern agricultural techniques, the Osage Nation is fostering food sovereignty, ensuring that members can rely on local resources for their dietary needs.

In an address to attendees, Chief Standing Bear emphasized the importance of these initiatives in promoting community health and cultural identity. His insights underscored the Osage Nation's commitment to reclaiming food systems and prioritizing the well-being of its members.

The meeting also featured discussions on broader conservation efforts in Oklahoma, including sustainable land management practices observed at the Drummond Ranch and The Nature Conservancy's Tallgrass Prairie. These initiatives, coupled with the Osage Nation's focus on food sovereignty, showcased a holistic approach to conservation that integrates culture, community, and sustainable practices.

Overall, the NACD region meeting served as a powerful reminder of the Osage Nation's leadership in fostering food sovereignty, inspiring attendees to consider similar initiatives in their own districts. Attendees saw firsthand how a focus on local food systems not only supports health and well-being but also strengthens cultural ties, making it a vital component of the community’s future.