National Association of Conservation Districts

January 29, 2012 - The Clark County Children's Choir of Nevada provided a musical opening to the National Association of Conservation Districts 66th annual meeting in Las Vegas during Sunday's Inspirational Program. More than 800 conservationists are attending the four-day meeting titled, "Conservation: We're All In." Attendees heard from NACD Stewardship, Education and Marketplace Project Manager Susan Schultz, as well reflections on stewardship from Gina DeMarco, District Manager of the Northern Rhode Island Conservation District. Poster Contest winners were also announced. The 2012 NACD Annual Meeting is sponsored by the following partners: Monsanto; John Deere; Syngenta; The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company; Plum Creek; Pioneer; DuPont; U.S. Department of Defense; Bayer Crop Science; Association of Equipment Manufacturers; USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; AgriDrain; Bob Warner; Case IH; and the USDA Forest Service.

January 2012 - Celebrate the sixth year of NACD's Pack-A-Book community outreach project! This project will leave a lasting impression on Las Vegas, NV following NACD's 66th Annual Meeting. You can participate by packing a book(s) to donate to the Mabel Hoggard Math & Science Magnet School in the Las Vegas area. Since the project's inception, over 800 books have been donated to schools. Drop off your books at the NACD Stewardship and Education Exhibit in the Conservation Expo. Monetary donations (toward the purchase of books) will also be accepted. This year's donations will benefit students at the Mabel Hoggard Math & Science Magnet School. At Hoggard, students participate in a rigorous academic curriculum with an emphasis on science, mathematics and technology. They are taught the art of scientific investigation and mathematical problem solving with the use of computer technology. The curriculum is highly motivational, with extensive hands-on math and science experiences. For more information, please contact Susan Schultz, NACD Stewardship, Education and Marketplace Project Manager at susan-schultz@nacdnet.org or 317-326-2952.

December 2011 - The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, one of the newest locations on the Vegas strip, offers a world-class setting for NACD's 2012 Annual Meeting. The Cosmopolitan's vertically-integrated meeting facilities provide both a beautiful and convenient setting for the meeting. The two guest towers are situated directly above the three floors of convention space and meeting rooms, with strategically-placed elevators and escalators allowing for quick and convenient transition from meeting time to leisure time. The residential-style living spaces and one-of-a-kind private terraces are unlike any other Las Vegas resort. In addition to luxurious living and meeting accommodations, the property hosts an expansive dining collection featuring world-renowned chefs and globally inspired restaurants, as well as one of the most eclectic collections of shops ever assembled on Las Vegas Boulevard. We look forward to seeing you in Las Vegas! For more information, click here .

December 2011 - First Vice President Earl Garber represented NACD at the 2011 Utah Association of Conseravtion Districts Convention, November 2-3 at the Dixie Center in St. George, Utah. Garber gave a presentation highlighting NACD's locally-led conservation efforts. Presentations included Lt. Governor Greg Bell on the Governor's Taskforce on Agriculture Sustainability Report, panels on conservation district leadership successes, Utah Senator Mike Lee on activity in Washington, D,C. The event also featured an afternoon tour of conservation projects in the St. George, Utah area. Pictured, from left to right: Commissioner Leonard Blackham, Utah Dept. of Agriculture & Food; Wendell Stembridge, UACD president and NACD board member; Bob Barry, UACD Vice President and NACD alternate board member; Earl Garber, NACD First Vice President; and Gordon Yonkers, Exec. VP UACD.

November 2011 - NACD President Gene Schmidt, Past President Steve Robinson and Communications Director Bethany Shively participated in "Trade Talk," Nov. 10, at the National Association of Farm Broadcasters (NAFB) Annual Convention in Kansas City, Mo. During the widely attended trade show, NACD representatives networked with organizations and reporters from across the country and handed out information about NACD, conservation policy and the work of districts on the ground. Schmidt and Robinson conducted more than 20 interviews with Ag broadcasters, highlighting the importance of locally-led conservation. Trade Talk, the centerpiece event of the NAFB's Annual Convention, affords NAFB-member broadcasters the opportunity to conduct interviews with ag-minded organizations and companies from across the country. Roughly 100 broadcasters attended the event.

October 2011 - More than 100 district officials, employees and partners met in Taos, NM for the NACD Southwest and Pacific Regions' joint meeting. Hosted by the New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts in cooperation with the Taos SWCD and others, the event offered an excellent program and numerous networking opportunities. NACD President Gene Schmidt (pictured) delivered the opening keynote address. The meeting included sessions on New Mexico's acequias, rangeland and forest restorations, urban conservation programs, sage grouse project, wolf issues, wild horse update and much more. New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte spoke about the importance of agriculture and conservation at the Closing Session. Participants also had the opportunity to learn firsthand about local conservation and history through several tours. Many thanks to New Mexico's leaders for their work and hospitality in hosting this year's event!

October 2011 -Stewardship and Education Coordinator Susan Schultz and North Central Region Representative Beth Mason represented NACD at the National FFA Agricultural Career Show in Indianapolis last month. Schultz and Mason promoted the locally-led work of conservation districts, the NACD internship program, and NACD's Stewardship and Education materials. Visitors to the NACD both included Brent Van Dyke of New Mexico, who served as an NACD board member and parliamentarian. Van Dyke has been involved in Ag education for over 30 years and organized the national FFA quiz contest. FFA members from Georgia also stopped by. Visitors from all over the US and territories expressed interest in connecting with their local district or sharing those activities they participate in with their conservation district. To learn more, visit www.ffa.org.

October 2011 - This month, NACD CEO John Larson had the pleasure of speaking at the Harford Soil Conservation Districts' Annual Conservation Award Banquet. This banquet commemorates 67 years of soil conservation efforts in Harford County, Maryland. During the banquet, C. David Davis was honored with the Conservation of the Year award. The 2010 Harford County Envirothon was also recognized for their outstanding work and dedication last year. The banquet attendees consisted of district employees, NRCS staff, district supporters and county and state elected officials. Harford Soil Conservation Districts Board Chairman, Lee McDaniel and Vice Chairman Mike Birch emceed the widely attended event. Thank you to Lee McDaniel for the invitation! Everyone had a great time!

October 2011 - More than 100 district officials, employees and partners met in Taos, NM for the NACD Southwest and Pacific Regions' joint meeting. Hosted by the New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts in cooperation with the Taos SWCD and others, the event offered an excellent program and numerous networking opportunities. NACD President Gene Schmidt (pictured) delivered the opening keynote address. The meeting included sessions on New Mexico's acequias, rangeland and forest restorations, urban conservation programs, sage grouse project, wolf issues, wild horse update and much more. New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte spoke about the importance of agriculture and conservation at the Closing Session. Participants also had the opportunity to learn firsthand about local conservation and history through several tours. Many thanks to New Mexico's leaders for their work and hospitality in hosting this year's event!

September 2011 - The first Blue Planet global education conference was held this month in Montana. Attendees from over 60 countries enjoyed keynote presentations from NASA Mission specialist Ricky Arnold, who flew on the space shuttle Discovery and actress Connie Nielsen, who has organized a human needs project in Kenya. Participants also had a choice of over 50 concurrent sessions and additional general sessions. During the event, Project WET unveiled their new education guide: Project WET 2.0. The guide should be available in the next few weeks at www.projectwet.org. The conference, themed "One World, One Water," featured an educational sculpture created to illustrate how water connects all living things, flowing from one water user to another and back again through the water cycle. After its exhibit in Montana, the sculpture will be on display in Colorado.

September 2011 - Last week, NACD CEO John Larson participated in the 65th Annual Conference of Iowa's Soil and Water Conservation District Commissioners in Des Moines, IA. The theme of the conference was, "Conservation and Investment in the Future," stressing the importance of using every means available to promote conservation. Larson gave an update on NACD activities and fielded questions from participants. The conference also included sessions led by Washington State district commissioner Ray Ledgerwood, as well as updates from Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey and representatives from DSC, IDNR, NRCS, U.S. EPA, and Iowa State University.

September 2011 - Last week, Kansas farmer and conservationist Ronald Brown testified at a field hearing held by the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee in Wichita, Kan. The hearing focused on issues surrounding the 2012 Farm Bill. A lifelong resident of Fort Scott, Brown serves as president of the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts (KACD) and on NACD's Board of Directors. Brown urged Congress to, at a minimum, maintain the mandatory conservation funding levels as agreed in the 2008 Farm Bill. He also called for full funding of technical assistance to help farmers, ranchers and landowners continue their critical role in protecting our nation's air, water and soil. With Kansas currently facing severe drought conditions, Brown underscored the importance of effective farming and soil conservation practices – not only to the state's economy but also to its' citizens quality of life.

August 2011 - The Alabama Association of Conservation Districts, the Alabama Soil and Water Conservation Committee, NRCS, and other conservation partners welcomed 250 conservation leaders to "Conservation in Paradise," NACD's Southeast Region Meeting in Orange Beach, Ala. July 31-August 2. The meeting began with a Southeast Region board meeting, the highlight of which was the Partnership Roundtable discussion. The discussion included the Southeast Region NACD Board and Alternate Board Members, NASCA representatives and NRCS State Conservationist. The group discussed the challenges and opportunities facing conservation funding and conservation districts in the region.

August 2011 - Fifty-four teams from 45 U.S. states, eight Canadian provinces and one Canadian territory competed in the 2011 North American Envirothon competition, held at Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada. Over $125,000 in scholarships and Canon products were awarded to the top 15 teams. The teams tested their knowledge in aquatics, forestry, soil and land use, and wildlife along with the current issue for 2011: salt and freshwater estuaries. Additional team scores can be found at www.envirothon.org. Representing NACD at the event were Susan Schultz, Stewardship, Education and Marketplace project manager and Tom Gordon, Stewardship and Education Committee member and District Supervisor for the Maine Association of Conservation Districts.

July 2011 - Be sure to follow your state Envirothon team this week, as they compete at the North American Envirothon competition in Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada. The Canon Envirothon, July 24-29, is North America's largest environmental education competition, taking place this year on the campus of Mount Allison University. Envirothon is the largest high school environmental education competition. Student teams, many of which are sponsored by their local conservation district, test their knowledge in a variety of environmental issues, including soils and land use, aquatic ecology and wildlife. For daily updates and photos of the competition, visit www.envirothon.org.

July 2011 - Conservation leaders from across the country gathered in Washington, D.C. this week to discuss legislative initiatives and regulatory programs that affect our nation's land, air and water. NACD's 2011 Legislative Conference, which started July 18, features leading experts from several federal agencies, including USDA Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment Harris Sherman. Sherman spoke about the importance of educating lawmakers and stakeholders on conservation issues. "Nothing can be more important for you than to communicate your passion and the importance of what you're doing to those who are up on the Hill and who are going to have a big stake in the outcome of these conservation programs," Sherman said. "If we can do that, your efforts and our efforts will truly make a difference."

June 2011 - Last week, agriculturalists and conservationists paid tribute to bees, birds, butterflies, bats and beetles during National Pollinator Week. While organizations nationwide celebrated by planting pollinator-friendly plants and spending time outdoors learning about them, the Pollinator Partnership spent the week in Washington, D.C. educating the public, advocating for increased awareness and protection of threatened pollinators and holding briefings to discuss and celebrate the importance of pollinators. Thursday, the Congressional Pollinator Protection Caucus (CP2C), a group formed by the House to provide legislators with accurate information pertaining to a wide variety of land issues, held a Pollinator Health and Policies Briefing to bring together agency officials to discuss the future of pollinator awareness.

June 2011 - Educators from across the nation are meeting for the National "AG in the Classroom" conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida from June 22-25. Susan Schultz, NACD stewardship, education and marketplace project manager, is attending the event, exhibiting NACD's education materials. The conference features engaging, interactive workshops that show educators how to incorporate real-life agricultural applications into their language arts, math, nutrition, science and social studies lessons. Tours of a tropical fruit packing house, tropical plant nurseries, and other stops will show everyone unique agricultural operations in South Florida. Debbie Ruff, of Livingston County SWCD in Ill., will be featuring several of the NACD education materials and activities in a special workshop. Visit the AG in the Classroom site for great resources and to locate your state contact. Ag in the Classroom and NACD's education materials are great tools for educators.

June 2011 - Last week, Project Learning Tree (PLT) held their 25th PLT Conference in Montgomery, Texas. PLT is an educational partner with NACD, whose materials are used by conservation districts across the nation. Susan Schultz, NACD's Stewardship, Education and Marketplace Project attended the event, promoting the 2011 "Forests for People" education materials. More than 100 participants attended sessions on the PLT Green Schools program, wind energy, getting elected officials to understand environmental education, ecosystem markets, and more. The conference also included a field trip to Spring Creek Greenway, a cooperative project near Houston. To learn more about PLT visit www.plt.org. To find your PLT state coordinator, click here.

June 2011 - The Kay County (Oklahoma) Conservation District recently hosted a Grand Opening at its new outdoor classroom, the Kay Co Eco Trail. The project was funded through an Okla. Dept of Tourism's Recreational Trails Grant and a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Grant plus local donations. Lt. Governor Todd Lamb and U.S. Representative Frank Lucas attended the event. Selected schools were invited to a natural resource day, with rotations through learning stations including Oklahoma Fish and Wildlife, Okla. Conservation Commission's Blue Thumb Water Quality Program, NRCS Soil Scientist Troy Collier, OSU Stream Trailer, and the World's Second Place Dutch Oven Cooking Team: Curtis and Gaye Ann Grace. Outdoor classrooms expand the learning environment for students to include a hands-on experience that involves all five senses. Through experiences like this, students observe, classify, measure, analyze, and interpret facts about the earth's natural resources.

May 2011 - Last week, the Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts hosted the State Association Executive Directors Conference in Solomons, Maryland, bringing together executive directors from across the country. Much of the program centered on conservation efforts in the Chesapeake Bay as a model for other areas across the country – highlighting the efforts of the various partnerships and the advancements made in tracking, reporting, and technological capabilities. Conservation tours highlighted some of the projects and partnerships of local districts, as well as the changing landscape and land use of the area. Portions of the conference were sponsored by Syngenta and The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company.

May 2011 - Last month, NACD Leadership Development Specialist Beth Mason spent a day with the Marion County Soil and Water Conservation District at the Earth Day festivities in downtown Indianapolis, Ind. Mason, left, is pictured Glenn Lange, Natural Resource Conservationist of the Marion County SWCD. The district uses this time to connect with the local landowners, sharing information on backyard conservation practices, rain gardens and wildlife habitat. Events like Earth Day are great ways to increase awareness of conservation districts as a resource for information in the community. Marion County SWCD also promoted their rain barrel sale and their spring tree and shrub sale, offering a service to the community while raising funds for the district.

April 2011 - NACD Second Vice President Jack Majeres celebrated the 56th NACD Stewardship Week with a presentation to third graders at St. Mary in Dell Rapids, South Dakota. Majeres, from South Dakota himself, discussed the importance of Stewardship Week and Arbor Day. He also highlighted the history of state and its climate, explaining the importance of planting native trees and plants. Students were excited to learn about the importance of trees during the Forestry Bingo, available on the NACD Forestry Education Page. NACD has been celebrating Stewardship Week since 1955. If you would like to share your conservation education and/or stewardship success stories, please fill out the NACD Stewardship Outreach Survey.

April 2011 - Susan Schultz, NACD Project Manager for Stewardship, Education and Marketplace, presented a Forestry Stewardship Week program to first grade students at Maple Ridge Elementary in Pendleton, IN. Schultz read "Forests for People: More than You Can Imagine," an NACD Big Book about seasons and the importance of forests and trees in daily life. Students played Forestry Bingo, learning additional facts about tress and forests and the products they use each day, such as paper, carpet and plastic products. Participants also visited stations, where teachers shared lessons on natural resources. The students received a grant, and will be working with parents and teachers to plant trees and plants at a local park. NACD Stewardship Week is April 24th–May 1st, and is celebrated and promoted by conservation districts around the nation.

April 2011 - Grassroots Coordinator Danielle Dills and Intern Jennifer Frey represented NACD at a reception honoring America's Forests, held by the American Forest Foundation, National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service. The event kicked off the U.S. 2011 Year of Forests, part of the International Year of the Forest celebration. NACD and other forestry and conservation organizations participated in the event, along with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Collin Peterson (D-MN) and Rolling Stones keyboardist Chuck Leavell. NACD exhibited forestry education materials and provided information about forestry conservation. If you are interested in NACD's forestry education materials, click here.

April 2011 - NACD President Gene Schmidt, along with other National Conservation Partnership (NCP) leaders met in Washington, D.C. last week. NACD President Gene Schmidt recently attended the Ohio River Basin Alliance conference, held March 14-16 in Indianapolis, IN. Schmidt participated in a panel discussion: "Agriculture Issues within the Ohio River Basin." The conference brought government agencies and non-profit organizations together to foster an understanding of the different components to water issues within the basin, and to come together in a partnership through the newly-formed Ohio River Basin Alliance. Pictured: President Schmidt; Bob Baird, president of the West Virginia Association of Conservation Districts; Joe Gumm, past president of the West Virginia Association of Conservation Districts.

March 2011 - The Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD) recently held its annual Legislative Conference in Washington, DC, focusing on budget cuts, conservation programs, agriculture issues, and building and rehabilitating flood control structures. Attendees were briefed by representatives from several agencies, including the USDA National Agroforestry Center, NRCS and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as well as NACD staff and stakeholder groups. NARD members also participated in Hill meetings with members of the Nebraska delegation, including Senators Nelson and Johanns and Reps. Fortenberry, Smith and Terry. Pictured from left to right are: NARD Executive Director Dean Edson; NACD Director of Legislative Affairs Karl Anderson; NARD President Mary Ann Wortmann; and NACD Senior Advisor Rich Duesterhaus.

March 2011 - NACD President Gene Schmidt, along with other National Conservation Partnership (NCP) leaders met in Washington, D.C. last week. Topics highlighted were (1) actions to strengthen state conservation partnerships, (2) a review of the current budget environment at the federal, state, and local levels, and (3) identifying common conservation messages that partners could use in outreach work. Reports or updates were also made on the following items:, NACD Farm Bill Principles, NACD CEO search and path forward, Progress of the Chesapeake Bay project to develop a protocol to capture the conservation systems and practices that have not been accounted for to date, Evaluation of the Partnership Training Conference held in December, Status of the new national Nutrient Management Standard (590) and how it provides an umbrella for state nutrient management standards, Acquiring the current version of QuickBooks certified by the USDA testing lab.

March 2011 - Cheatham County Soil Conservation District in Tennessee presented over 385 natural resource books to Ashland City, Kingston Springs and Pegram Elementary schools. These three schools were damaged by the May 2010 flood. Participants at the 2011 NACD Annual Meeting, the North Carolina Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts Area 5 Education Committee and other generous donors helped make this the largest donation in the four years of the project. The next "Pack a Book" collection will take place during the 2012 NACD Annual Meeting in Las Vegas.

February 2011 - Order your "Forests for People – More Than You Can Imagine" education materials from the NACD Marketplace. The discount has been extended to March 25. Use the code 2011fp325 and receive a 10 percent discount! Materials include: student booklets, bookmark, activity sheet/placemat, "Plant A Tree" poster booklet, educators' guide, and "Forests for People" poster. Visit the NACD forestry education page for additional education resources, clip art and more. NACD Stewardship week will be celebrated April 24 to May 1. Visit the NACD stewardship page for education resources, promotional materials and more.

January 31, 2011 - Natural-science song and dance man Billy B. joined NACD in Nashville as the featured entertainer during the Leadership Lunch on Monday, Jan. 31. Billy B.'s unique brand of humorous, hands-on conservation education has been featured in thousands of schools and hundreds of theaters, as well as TV and radio across the country. His always-entertaining shows burst with songs and dances about soil, water, forests, biodiversity, energy, geology and other natural wonders. Billy B. has performed for more than 2 million children in 45 states and Canada. He has also entertained family audiences at the White House, Ford's Theater, National Theater, the Kennedy Center, museums, aquariums and other venues, including 200,000 people during the 20th National Earth Day Celebration on the Mall in Washington, D.C. He has written and/or starred in a number of educational videos and has been featured on Entertainment Tonight and National Public Radio.

January 30, 2011 - Members of the Rise and Shine Quartet performed at Sunday's Inspirational Program, part of NACD's 2011 Annual Meeting at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville, TN. The program also included reflections on stewardship from NACD Stewardship and Education Coordinator Susan Schultz and remarks from Luci DiPolvere, NACD Auxiliary President. Winners of the Poster Contest were also announced during the program. Cael Steinmetz from WI (Oneida County Land and Water Conservation Committee) won the K-1 Category, Willow Hill of GA (Hall County Soil and Water Conservation District) won the Grades 2-3 Category, Hope Friedrich from FL (Lake Soil and Water Conservation District) won the Grades 4-6 Category, Marcie Howerton of Oklahoma (Blaine County Conservation District) won the Grades 7-9 Category, and Olivia Xu of Delaware (New Castle Conservation District) won the Grades 10-12 Category.

January 28, 2011 - NACD kicked off its 2011 Annual Meeting with a service project "from the roots up." Conservation districts, industry experts and the Tennessee School for the Blind teamed up to promote locally-led conservation through hands-on education. On Thursday, Jan. 27, NACD representatives, Tennessee conservation districts and their state association, National Conservation Districts Employee Association and The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company presented products and donations for a greenhouse project at the Tennessee School for the Blind. The project taught students about raising produce, in addition to providing them with valuable career skills for the future. As part of the partnership, the school will provide Braille text of NACD's conservation education publications for use in their school and other schools for the blind across the country.

January 2011 - NACD partnered with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) for the second annual AG CONNECT Expo, held January 8-10 in Atlanta, Ga. Past President John Redding of Monroe, Ga. represented NACD at the event. The world-class agricultural trade show highlighted the latest innovations, products, services and technology in all agriculture sectors and offered access to leading worldwide industry experts. NACD and AEM have partnered on various projects for more than four decades. The partnership helps recognize conservation districts for the conservation benefits they achieve through effective and innovative use of equipment. For more information, click here. Pictured at the event: NACD staff Beth Mason (left) and Phylis Vendevere (right); Board Member Pat Henderson of Irvington, Ky. (center).

December 2010 - NACD President Steve Robinson was a keynote speaker at the Alabama Association of Conservation Districts (AACD) Annual Meeting in Orange Beach, Ala. Robinson talked about the history of conservation districts and the formation of NACD, as a means to deliver a unified message to policy makers and to better coordinate district activities. Robinson highlighted ways that districts have, and continue to, adapt over the years to address emerging challenges and meet the evolving needs of their jurisdictions, while remaining true to the original mission.

December 2010 - NACD and the other members of the National Conservation Partnership hosted a training conference on leadership development. More than 225 people from almost every state participated in the popular event, held in Louisville, Ky. The speakers and training sessions provided state conservation leaders with leadership tools and examples to strengthen their respective state and local partnerships. Two general session speakers provided tips on how a leader should coach team members to achieve goals and how to confront challenges at the personal and organizational level. Numerous breakout session presentations and exercises focused on the importance of State Conservation Partnerships.

December 2010 - NACD Second Vice President Earl Garber traveled to Poultney, Vermont for the Vermont Association of Conservation Districts (VACD) Annual Meeting. NRCS Chief Dave White spoke at the event, highlighting NRCS' 75 years of conservation, as well as the Poultney Mettowee Natural Resources Conservation District's 70th anniversary. VACD's Annual Meeting included sessions on Vermont grown energy, global climate change and carbon cycling for soil health and the development of the state's own local food system. Pictured from left to right: Larry Kasden, Steve Mayhall, Jonathan Chamberlain, Michelle Gudorf, Chris Smid.

December 2010 - NACD CEO Jeff Eisenberg (left) talks with Commissioner Leonard Blackham of the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food. Eisenberg was a keynote speaker during the Utah Association of Conservation District's (UACD) Annual Convention in Layton, Utah. In his speech, Eisenberg discussed recent election results and how NACD should respond to the changing tide in Washington, DC. "No matter who happens to be in leadership on Capitol Hill, NACD will continue to stay true to its mission of helping local landowners put conservation on the ground," Eisenberg said. "Without the involvement of local landowners, meaningful conservation will be that much harder to achieve; this message of locally-led conservation is something that politicians of all stripes can get behind."

November 2010 - Don't Forget! "Early Bird" registration for NACD's 2011 Annual Meeting in Nashville, Tenn. closes next Tuesday, December 10. Click here for pictures of the famous resort, which celebrated its grand reopening earlier this week! This year's theme, "From the Roots Up," focuses on districts' ability to impact the conservation movement from the local level. Districts and individuals from across the nation will showcase their commitment to conservation in general sessions, breakout events, tours and activities. Stay tuned for announcements on more exciting speakers over the coming weeks! For all the latest details, visit NACD's Annual Meeting web page! See you in Nashville!

NACD's 2011 Annual Meeting is sponsored by Commonwealth Agri-Energy, GrassWorks Weed Wiper, Pioneer, Plum Creek, Reinke Manufacturing Company, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, Worldview Solutions and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers.

November 2010 - "Beyond the Microphone" is the 66th Annual National Association of Farm Broadcasters (NAFB) Convention in Kansas City, Mo. NACD is a member of NAFB and sponsored a booth at the popular Trade Talk event. During the six-hour event, Gene and NACD staff talked to agriculture reporters from across the country about conservation and NACD priorities for the upcoming Farm Bill, appropriations and other legislative and regulatory issues. Trade Talk, the centerpiece event of the NAFB's Annual Convention, affords participants access to member broadcasters to discuss the issues of important to their organizations, associations, and companies. Approximately100 broadcasters participated in this year's event.

October 2010 - NACD and the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign (NAPPC) honored California rancher, Paul Kaiser, with the 2010 NACD-NAPPC Farmer Rancher Pollinator Conservation Award. The international award promotes public awareness about pollinators – birds, bees, bats, butterflies, beetles, and other animals that enable the reproduction of over 75 percent of flowering plants, accounting for as much as one-third of the nation's food supply. The award ceremony, kicked off the 10th Annual International NAPPC Conference, sponsored by USDA. From left to right: Vicki Wojcik, Pollinator Partnership; Paul Kaiser, Singing Frogs Farm, Sebastapol, Calif.; Rich Duesterhaus, National Association of Conservation Districts.

October 2010 - NACD staff visited various conservation sites in Fairfax County. The tour was hosted by the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District (NVSWCD). NACD learned about the District's efforts to provide education, outreach and technical assistance in an urban area. Left, NACD staff discuss the Little Pimmit Run stream restoration project with NVSWCD District Administrator Diane Hoffman. The previously eroding and meandering stream, one of six sites visited that day, was restored through a partnership with local homeowners. Staff also visited several rain gardens in urban areas, as well as a suburban horse-keeping operation and a rehabilitated watershed.

October 2010 - Leadership of the Westmoreland Conservation District (WCD) in Pennsylvania recently hosted NACD staff for an educational visit, including tours and meetings with WCD staff and county and industry partners. WCD leadership highlighted the district's strong community relationships and wide scope of programs, particularly in urban areas. NACD staff had the opportunity to tour St. Vincent College's "Monastery Run" wetland improvement project and Westmoreland's "conservation campus," including WCD's headquarters–a 125-year-old, 7,600-square-foot barn that has been adapted with a variety of energy-conservation measures for reuse as offices and conservation education center. Pictured, from left to right: Westmoreland Conservation District Manager/CEO Greg Phillips, NACD CEO Jeff Eisenberg and Ron Rohall, Vice Chairman of the Westmoreland Conservation District Board of Directors.

September 2010 - The Kentucky Conservation District Employee Association (KACDE) held their 6th annual conference at the 4-H Leadership Center in Jabez, Ken. The conference commenced with the planting of a red oak tree, as part of the Olin Sims Living Legacy project. Participants attended training sessions providing ongoing professional development for conservation district employees. Susan Schultz, NACD Stewardship and Education project manager, provided sessions on community outreach, education activities and grant proposal planning. NCDEA President Connie Richmeier shared long-range planning and water festival ideas. Schultz and Richmeier were also awarded KACDE life memberships. Pictured, Kentucky conservation district employees at the Kentucky Leadership Center in Jabez.

September 2010 - On September 13, NACD and USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) signed an agreement to gain a more accurate understanding of agriculture's contribution to conservation in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Under the agreement, NRCS will provide NACD with $145,000 to gather data on the implementation of agriculture's conservation practices in the Chesapeake Bay region. NACD President Steve Robinson and NRCS Associate Chief Ginger Murphy signed the agreement behalf of their respective organizations. The data will ultimately be used to help ensure the Chesapeake Bay Model—the basis for federal policies to address Bay restoration needs—accurately represents agriculture's contributions in reducing nutrient loadings into the Bay.

September 2010 - Members of NACD's Forest Resource Policy Group and the National Association of State Foresters' Forest Resources Management Committee gathered in Madison, Wisconsin for a joint meeting. Foresters met August 31-September 2 at USDA's Forest Products Laboratory to discuss conservation projects, woody biomass, trends and outlooks for forest markets, and additional issues affecting forestry today. Attendees also had the opportunity to tour the Forest Products Laboratory, as well as the Leopold Center, a completely energy-efficient visitor and education center dedicated to the history and legacy of conservationist Aldo Leopold. Pictured above, Forest RPG members visiting the Aldo Leopold Shack in Baraboo, Wisconsin.

August 2010 - Southeast Region conservationists headed to Nashville, Tennessee August 8-10 to take part in the SE NACD Region meeting hosted by the Tennessee Association of Conservation Districts (TACD). Attendees not only experienced an information-packed agenda, but were also treated to a visit to the Ellington Agricultural Center. Once a 207-acre private estate and farm, the center now houses the state's Department of Agriculture, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, and serves as a branch location for various state and federal agencies. Commissioner of Agriculture Ken Givens opened the meeting, which offered various district showcases and breakout sessions. The Tennessee Conservation District Employees Association recently gathered at the Agricultural Center to plant a Tulip Poplar, the state tree of TN, as a living legacy to NACD Past President Olin Sims.

August 2010 - Congratulations to the California team, winner of the 2010 Canon Envirothon competition. Additional top ten winners were: Delaware (Second Place); Minnesota (Third Place); Florida (Fourth Place); Maryland (Fifth Place); Wisconsin (Sixth Place); Ontario (Seventh Place); Ohio & New York (8th Place Tie); New Jersey (Ninth Place); Massachusetts (Tenth Place). The Wisconsin team won the NACD Past Presidents Association Award for their high score in the oral presentation. The award honors Indiana Past President Gene Weaver. NACD Stewardship and Education project manager Susan Schultz served as a preliminary judge; Tim Reich, Vice President of the National Conservation Foundation, served as a final judge.

August 2010 - Last week, NACD Executive Board Member and Stewardship and Education Chairman Steve Miller spoke at the 24th North American Canon Envirothon. Envirothon, held at California State University in Fresno, is the largest high school environmental education competition. Student teams, many of which are sponsored by their local conservation district, tested their knowledge in a variety of environmental issues, including soils and land use, aquatic ecology and wildlife. Miller emphasized the importance of natural resources and strong leadership, encouraging students to become involved with their local districts. District and state association representatives also assisted with the competition.

July 2010 - Conservation leaders from across the country gathered in Washington, D.C. this week to discuss legislative initiatives and regulatory programs that affect our nation's land, air and water. NACD's 2010 Legislative Conference, which started July 19, features leading experts from several federal agencies, including U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. Vilsack spoke about the importance of strengthening the American agricultural economy, revitalizing rural communities, protecting and conserving natural resources and providing a safe, sufficient and nutritious food supply for the country. The conservation community faces a number of challenges, but also great opportunities for growth, the Secretary of Agriculture said.

July 2010 - Last week, the Medicine Bow Conservation District in Medicine Bow, Wyo. hosted a dedication service naming the District's newly-renovated office space after the District's former chair and 2007 NACD President Olin Sims. More than 150 local producers, state and national policy makers, conservation districts leaders, partners and community members gathered to see the new space, enjoy a meal together and remember a man who truly understood the need for locally-led conservation. NACD President Steve Robinson and Director of Communications Lisa Smith represented NACD at the event. U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) keynoted the event, citing Sims as proof that landowners are the best stewards of our land. Senator Barrasso is pictured at left with the Districts staff and supervisors.

July 2010 - Charles Holmes, NACD's board member from Alabama, recently participated on a panel showcasing efforts to restore longleaf pine forests. Holmes joined representatives from the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Department of Defense and the National Wild Turkey Federation in a joint presentation to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, where each group highlighted their organization's longleaf pine restoration efforts. The group then toured the Francis Marion National Forest and participated in an America's Great Outdoors listening session on the Longleaf Pine Restoration Initiative. Holmes is pictured at left with Secretary Vilsack.

July 2010 - In testimony before the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy and Research, NACD President Steve Robinson, a producer from Marysville, Ohio, expressed conservation districts' support for full funding for NRCS to deliver farm bill conservation programs and meet the growing demand and need for technical assistance in concert with conservation districts, technical service providers (TSPs) and other partners. Producers need quality technical assistance to maximize the effectiveness of the financial assistance they receive, Robinson said.

June 2010 - Last week NACD's Executive Board and several NACD staff members travelled to Marysville, Ohio where they toured Scotts Miracle Gro facilities and met with the Union County Soil and Water Conservation District. The Board learned first-hand about the challenges and opportunities facing districts. The group ended a full day of touring with a trip to NACD President Steve Robinson's farm where Robinson showcased the conservation practices he uses on his farm and hosted a group barbeque. Pictured at left are NACD President Elect Gene Schmidt, Secretary-Treasurer Jack Majeres, Immediate Past President John Redding, Second Vice President Earl Garber, Chief Executive Officer Jeff Eisenberg and President Steve Robinson.

June 2010 - Recently NACD staff members joined representatives from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, the Environmental Defense Fund and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation for a multi-farm conservation tour in Pennsylvania hosted by the Lancaster County Conservation District and the local Natural Resources Conservation Service. In the photo at left, Terra-Gro engineer Loren Martin explains Oregon Farms' composting program to NACD CEO Jeff Eisenberg and others while Oregon Farms operator George Hurst looks on. Oregon Dairy Organics and Graywood Farms partner to turn potential waste into 4,000 tons/year of valuable compost that can be purchased by gardeners, organic farmers and landscapers..

June 2010 - Last week NACD Immediate Past President John Redding represented NACD and conservation districts at a rural summit hosted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Hillsboro, Mo. Redding participated in a panel discussion moderated by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack (pictured at left with Redding). Redding stressed the importance of conservation practices and emphasizing conservation districts' role in helping rural economies thrive. The event, themed "The National Summit of Rural America: A Dialogue for Renewing Promise," provided an opportunity for rural Americans to share their vision and ideas for creating a more prosperous and more promising future for rural America. Click here to read NACD's news release on the summit.

June 2010 - The Washington Association of Conservation Districts recently hosted the 2010 Executive Directors’ Conference in Olympia, Wash. The conference provided state association executive directors dedicated time to network with their peers from across the country, discuss the issues each state uniquely faces and find common ground. The Thurston Conservation District hosted a local conservation tour, showcasing planned and installed practices on commercial agricultural and small acreages that have resulted in decreased pollution levels in the south Puget Sound and the creation of a community shellfish bed. In the photo, Indiana Executive Director Jennifer Boyle-Warner and other attendees view a cultch of Pacific oysters during the tour of the community shellfish bed.

May 2010 - Last week NACD’s partner, Project Learning Tree (PLT), held its International Coordinator’s Conference in Nevada. NACD Stewardship and Education Coordinator Susan Schultz met with American Forest Foundation/Project Learning Tree Senior Vice President Kathy McGlauflin and the USDA Forest Service Director of Conservation Education Safiya Samman to discuss collaboration on a 2011 Year of Forest project. This collaboration will provide additional outreach material to utilize with the NACD 2011 Stewardship Week’s forestry theme, for which planning is underway. Look for more information regarding upcoming 2011 Stewardship Week and forestry education resources starting in fall 2010.

May 2010 - The Oregon Association of Conservation Districts (OACD) and its member districts hosted NACD Western Issues and Forestry Specialist Yenie Tran for the OACD board of districts meeting and a tour of the state. Tran spent time learning about conservation projects and creative partnerships in several Oregon soil and water conservation districts including in Wasco, Clackamas, Yamhill, Lincoln, Marion and Sherman Counties. Tran learned firsthand about the vastness of Oregon wheat farming; innovative horticulture practices within orchards and vineyards; conservation challenges within coastal forests, fisheries and streams; and opportunities to connect rural and urban communities through educational partnerships. She is pictured at left with conservation district directors Terrie and Sterling Grant and their family on their farm in Eddyville, OR. Also pictured are OACD President Elect Jan Lee and Lincoln SWCD Watershed Technical Specialist Stacy Polkowske.

April 2010 - Earlier this week NACD President Steve Robinson and NRCS Chief Dave White made a visit to Emery Elementary School to celebrate Stewardship Week. Chief White spoke to a small group of seventh graders about the wide range of issues that NRCS encounters and gave each student a post card that is infused with flower seeds that will grow if the card is planted. Robinson spoke to the group about his conservation experience and distributed stewardship learning materials. The students then planted some of the post cards in the front of the school, where they hope to see flowers sprouting soon. Stewardship Week celebrations will continue to take place across the nation, April 25–May 2. 

April 2010 - Last week, Maple Ridge Elementary kindergarten students in Madison County, Ind. kicked off celebration of 2010 Stewardship Week, themed "Conservation Habits = Healthy Habitats." They learned the importance of conservation habits and habitats from NACD Stewardship and Education Coordinator Susan Schultz and enjoyed Conservation Habits = Healthy Habitats education materials, a nature walk, playing habitat-related games and sharing stories about the importance of habitats. Stewardship activities will continue to take place in schools and communities across the nation this week, April 25–May 2, in celebration of 2010 Stewardship Week.

April 2010 - Delaware's conservation districts, the Delaware Association of Conservation Districts and the Delaware Division of Soil and Water Conservation recently teamed up to host several NACD staff members for a tour of the districts' various efforts within the state. The tour showcased erosion and sediment control, storm water management, nutrient management and other agricultural conservation efforts. In the photo at left, Kevin Donnelly, District Coordinator of the New Castle Conservation District explains a small community stream stabilization project involving the road and a subdivision drainageway to NACD CEO Jeff Eisenberg and other staff members.

April 2010 - Representatives from NACD, NRCS, NASCA, NARC&DC and NCDEA met last week in Maryland for the quarterly Conservation Partnership meeting. Leaders learned about partners collaborative efforts on Chesapeake Bay initiatives in Maryland and discussed ongoing partnership efforts including district officials training efforts, information technology for districts, the National Leadership Training Conference and more. Pictured at above celebrating NRCS’ 75th Anniversary are NCDEA President Connie Richmeier NARC&DC President Jim Sipperly, NRCS Chief Dave White, NASCA President Mark Clark and NACD President Steve Robinson.

March 2010 - NACD’s full national officer team was in Washington, D.C. last week, meeting with Congressional staff and agency leaders and tackling the NACD budget and other business items. In the photo at left, NACD President Steve Robinson and his team meet with USDA NRCS Chief Dave White. The leaders also met with staff from both the Senate and House Agriculture Committees, as well as many personal offices to discuss NACD’s concern about recent legislation that would pull $2.8 billion from the Environmental Quality Incentives Program to fund the Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act of 2010.

March 2010 - NACD Chief Executive Officer Jeff Eisenberg recently met with 60 representatives from the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts during their annual Washington Conference. Eisenberg emphasized NACD’s commitment to serving member districts, earning trust and being good stewards of the support given by districts and the individuals the Association represents. The group discussed regional and national concerns impacting Nebraska’s districts, as well as districts role in the state with groundwater regulation. Eisenberg is pictured at left with Mary Ann Wortmann, President of the Nebraska Association of Resource Districts.

March 10, 2010 - Last week NACD urged Congress to continue to invest in and improve the software and technology that enable conservation districts and their federal partners to help landowners plan and implement appropriate conservation practices and programs. Conservation district supervisor Jim Krosch from the Stevens Soil and Water Conservation District located in Morris, Minn., testified on behalf of NACD before the House Committee on Agriculture’s Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight, Nutrition and Forestry. In his remarks, Krosch stressed the importance of the technology link between conservation districts and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in effectively serving landowners. Krosch is pictured above with House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-MN)

February 2010 - Several members from across the nation have stopped by the NACD headquarters office in Washington, D.C. in recent weeks during their respective trips to the Nation’s capitol. Members are meeting with NACD’s new CEO and staff members to talk issues and highlight success stories from their home states. Pictured at left are NACD CEO Jeff Eisenberg with NACD Board Members Pete Waller and Dennis Brown from Georgia. Additional visitors included former NACD Executive Board Member Jim Lacy and current Executive Board Member Pat Henderson, both from Kentucky, as well as several representatives from the Texas Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. NACD is always eager to welcome its members to their D.C. office.

February 2010 - Several conservation leaders demonstrated their commitment to NACD and signed up as Lifetime members of NACD at the Association’s recent 2010 Annual Meeting. The members contributed $1,000 to join the highest ranks of individual membership under the Friends of NACD program. Pictured at left are John Redding, Andrew Wargo, Steve Sunderland, Jon Starns, Earl Garber, Terry Davis and Ralph Brokaw. Later in the conference Ernest Girouard, Kenneth Roehrich, Russell Setti and Dick Went also joined the ranks as Lifetime members. A Lifetime membership was also purchased in memory of 2007 NACD President Olin Sims.

February 2010 - NACD is pleased to welcome three new members to its team. Karl Anderson began this week as Director of Legislative Affairs, and will guide NACD’s policy team. Yenie Tran is on board as Western Issues Specialist and will support NACD’s Southwest and Pacific Regions. Danielle Dills joined the team this week and will assist with grassroots and policy efforts. Anderson, Tran and Dills will all be located at NACD’s headquarters office in Washington, D.C. Contact information for all staff members is available at http://nacdnet.org/contact.phtml.

January 29, 2010 - Attendees of NACD’s 64th Annual Meeting returned home last week, but they left a lasting legacy at one of Orlando’s local schools. NACD Executive Board members helped 40 ninth-grade students plant a butterfly garden on the campus of Dr. Phillips High School. Most of the participating students lived in urban areas and had never planted anything or worked in the soil before. The project gave students a chance to learn how to properly put plants in the soil, create habitat for butterflies and other pollinators and bring nature and conservation into their urban surroundings. For more photos of the project and of the conference, see the 2010 Annual Meeting photo slide show.

February 2, 2010 - Conservation heroes were recognized on Tuesday at NACD’s 2010 Annual Meeting Appreciation Banquet in Orlando, Fla. Award winners were recognized for passionate commitment to conservation and for inspiring programs and projects on the ground. In the photo at left, Jack Winstead receives the NACD/NRCS Olin Sims Conservation Leadership Award from NRCS Chief Dave White and NACD President Steve Robinson. Click here for a news release regarding NACD’s 2009 national award winners. The event capped off a successful Annual Meeting that renewed participants’ commitment to conservation.

February 2, 2010 - NRCS Chief Dave White spoke to attendees at NACD’s 64th Annual Meeting Tuesday morning. In his remarks, White likened districts to “superheroes” in the conservation world. He said no other partnership exists like the partnership between NRCS and NACD and thanked districts for their long-time collaboration with NRCS. He vowed that NRCS will be with districts, not just today but in the years ahead so we can work together to solve the nation’s natural resource needs.

February 1, 2010 - The 2010 NACD Annual Meeting officially kicked off with the Monday general session, titled “National Partnerships for Local Leaders.” Attendees were welcomed by Congressman Adam Putnam (R-FL) and heard a video message from USDA Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsak. USDA Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment Harris Sherman (left) spoke to the group about key issues and chances to further the partnerships between NACD and USDA agencies.

January 31, 2010 - More than 800 conservationists will gather in Orlando, Fla. this week to attend the Association's 64th NACD Annual Meeting, themed "Committed to Conservation." The NACD Board of Directors are meeting Saturday and Sunday as well as during the conference to set association policy and introduce NACD's new CEO, Jeff Eisenberg. The official conference will launch Sunday, January 31. In the photo at left, NACD Immediate Past President John Redding takes his turn as "Captain Conservation."

January 2010 - Earlier this month NACD participated as an exhibitor at the 2010 Ag Connect Expo in Orlando, Fla., made contact with local landowners, and established connections with manufacturers in the agricultural industry. The show—a product of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM)—highlighted agricultural equipment, manufacturers and supporting organizations. Ag Connect also provided the more than 7000 participants educational opportunities as well, unveiling new products and technologies from around the globe and discussing the latest in industry news. Highlights from this year’s event can be found at http://www.agconnect.com.

January 2010 - The Louisiana Association of Conservation Districts held its annual meeting last week in Baton Rouge, La. NACD Second Vice President Earl Garber presented an Association update at the meeting, discussing policy updates, NACD member services and the upcoming 2010 NACD Annual Meeting. Conference attendees learned about Louisiana coastal protection and restoration efforts, rural economic development initiatives, Louisiana ground water issues, the Conservation Stewardship Program and watershed planning at both local and state levels.

January 2010 - The North Carolina Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (NCASWCD) held its annual meeting last week at the Raleigh Convention Center in Raleigh, NC. The meeting featured a presentation by Milton Heath Lecture Series speaker Dr. Stan Riggs, a professor of geology at East Carolina University. In his presentation, Dr. Riggs discussed climate change and the potential impacts on North Carolina’s coastal plains. NACD Interim CEO Brad Ross addressed the NCASWCD membership and met with incoming President James Ferguson and Past President William Pickett (shown in the photo to the right).

December 9, 2009 - NACD Second Vice President Earl Garber attended the Arkansas Association of Conservation District (AACD) Annual Meeting in Eureka Springs, Ark. The meeting featured several topics and workshops, including herbicide resistance issues, water use registration, critical ground water in east Arkansas, district funding opportunities through partnerships and more. Garber provided an update on recent NACD legislative activities. Garber (r) is pictured above with AACD Past President Sonny Jones and AACD First Vice President Andrew Wargo.

December 8, 2009 - Woodford County Conservation District hosted the first Kentucky Conservation District Employees Roundtable. More than 50 district employees from across the state shared their conservation outreach programs. NACD Stewardship and Education Coordinator Susan Schultz shared information about NACD’s outreach efforts on a national scale and highlighted NACD tools available to districts. Schultz (second to right) is pictured in the photo above with KACDE President Brian Hacker, KACDE Treasurer Stephanie Young, KACDE Reporter Martha Newby and Lillie Cox.

December 7, 2009 - Representatives from NACD, the National Association of State Foresters, the USDA Forest Service and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service joined together in Washington, D.C. this week for a Joint Forestry Team Meeting. The group addressed reaching forest landowners with Farm Bill conservation programs and providing assistance, as well as state assessments required by June 2010. Click here for additional information about the Joint Forestry Team. Pictured at left are USFS Chief Tom Tidwell, NACD Board Member Charles Holmes and NACD President Steve Robinson.

November 23, 2009 - NACD Second Vice President Earl Garber traveled West to participate in the Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts Annual Meeting in Boise. Of particular interest at the meeting was Idaho State Senator Joe Stegners' and State Representative Ken Roberts' update on the future of Idaho's Soil and Water Conservation Commission and Idaho's conservation districts. Garber discussed how other states have handled similar situations with state leadership. He is pictured at left with NACD Board Member Kyle Hawley and State Senator Joe Stegner.

November 12, 2009 - NACD First Vice President Gene Schmidt spoke out on behalf of America's conservation districts last week at the National Association of Farm Broadcasting's annual Trade Talk event in Kansas, City, Mo. Schmidt was one of many industry and agency representatives who participated in the marathon morning of radio and television interviews that will air across the country throughout the coming months. He addressed climate change, Farm Bill conservation programs, habitat, forestry and other conservation issues. Schmidt is pictured at left with KSIR Radio’s Lorrie Boyer from Colorado.

November 8, 2009 - NACD hosted a Chesapeake Bay Leadership Meeting for conservation district supervisors and representatives of state associations, state departments of agriculture, conservation commissions and NRCS from the six Chesapeake Bay States. Chuck Fox, Senior Advisor to the Administrator at the Environmental Protection Agency, discussed EPA's leadership role in preparing a draft strategy to restore and protect the Bay. The draft strategy—expected to be released November 9—will impact conservation districts throughout the Bay watershed as it addresses water quality issues related to agriculture, stormwater, and development. The group also heard from Larry Elworth, EPA’s Agricultural Advisor to the Administrator, and Dana York, Senior Advisor for NRCS regarding the Chesapeake Bay Program.

October 27, 2009 - NACD Member Services Representative Beth Mason and Stewardship and Education Coordinator Susan Schultz participated in the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind., where they highlighted districts’ work, showcased soils education materials, promoted NACD’s internship program to potential candidates, visited with advisors about ways for FFA chapters to work with local districts and met with district supervisors attending the event. Schultz is pictured at left with FFA students from Missouri and Indiana Association of Conservation Districts Communications Manager DeeDee Sigler.

NACD's Interim CEO Brad Ross participated in the annual meeting of the New York Association of Conservation Districts (NYACD. Meeting attendees participated in breakout sessions that focused on marketing and outreach to legislators, measuring district performance, and preparing for natural disasters. The meeting also highlighted the conservation work underway to protect Lake George. In the photo to the left, NYACD President Brad Rogers and Executive Director Judy Littrell welcome and thank Ross for delivering the opening presentation at the meeting.

NACD President Steve Robinson recently participated in the National Association of State Conservation Agencies Annual Meeting in Charleston, West Virginia. During the meeting, the group had the opportunity to visit the 2008 West Virginia Conservation Farm of the Year. The farm is the largest vineyard in West Virginia and produces 14 different grape varieties. Grassed buffers and waterways were just two of many conservation practices established on the vineyard. Pictured at left are NASCA Vice President Mark Clark, President Robinson, NASCA President Mike Brown and Dr. Daniel, owner and operator of Daniel Vineyards

August 29, 2009 - Executives from state associations of conservation districts from across the country recently met in Santa Fe, N.M. for their annual meeting. The directors spent time networking, getting updates on current and emerging issues, and learning about the unique area watershed. Many thanks the New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts and the Taos Soil and Water Conservation District for hosting an excellent meeting.

August 13, 2009 - District officials and partners from across the region met in Baton Rouge, La. last week for the South Central Region Meeting, hosted by the Louisiana Association of Conservation Districts. Much of the conference focused on climate change, including the science aspect, pending legislation and related opportunities for conservation districts. Pictured at left on a tour of the port of Baton Rouge during the conference are NACD CEO Doug Loudenslager, Second Vice President Earl Garber and former NACD Executive Board Member Memo Benavides.

August 11, 2009 - USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment Ann Mills and NRCS Chief Dave White visited NACD's offices to meet with CEO Doug Loudenslager and representatives of other conservation and agricultural groups in Washington. Among other things, White discussed the USDA's Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), which recently launched its 2009 sign-up period. White emphasized that CSP is now offered nationwide, with a simpler program design, and is more locally driven.

August 7, 2009 - (from right) NACD Past President John Redding, Envirothon Chairperson Shonny Nordlund and Envirothon Executive Director Clay Burns at the 2009 Canon Envirothon competition. The competition awards more than $125,000 in scholarships and Canon products to students. This year, the top prize went to Pennsylvania's team.

August 2, 2009 - Students from across the nation competed this week in the Canon Envirothon, one of North America's largest high school environmental education competitions. More than 260 students gathered at the University of North Carolina - Asheville where teams were tested on their knowledge of soils and land use, aquatic ecology, forestry, wildlife and current environmental issues. At right, NACD Past President John Redding addresses the opening ceremony of the competition.

July 27, 2009 - The Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts hosted the Northeast Region meeting in Solomons Island, MD July 26-29, 2009, where a renewed regional partnership agreement was signed.

July 22, 2009 - NACD's Tamara Daniel met with members of NACD's South Central Region at the 3rd Annual Capitol Hill Congressional Reception. As part of the 2009 Legislative Conference, the reception allowed conservation district leaders from across the country to meet with their representatives in Washington.

July 20, 2009 - NRCS Chief Dave White addressed NACD's 2009 Legislative Conference.

July 15, 2009 - In his first week at NACD, newly elected CEO Doug Loudenslager visited with many conservation partners on Capitol Hill.

The North Dakota Partners recently hosted a conservation tour for state leaders during the Northern Plains Region Leadership Meeting. In the photo at left, NRCS District Conservationist Jay Fuhrer shows NACD Board Members Jon Starns (KS) and Orval Gigstad (NE) the outstanding soil health achieved by award-winning landowner Gabe Brown through natural biological processes. Leaders from the region gathered to discuss local priorities, explore funding opportunities and participate in a USDA-hosted Resources Conservation Act listening session.

NACD Second Vice President Earl Garber, pictured right (center) recently testified before the House Agriculture Committee regarding pending Climate Change legislation. A producer and crop consultant from Basile, Louisiana, Garber addressed the potential of carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions reductions from agriculture and forestry. Garber also emphasized the importance of locally-led conservation and highlighted the work conservation districts are already doing in several states to verify carbon offsets.

The Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts recently held an Olin Sims Living Legacy tree planting at the Wyoming State Fair Grounds in Douglas, WY. Fifty friends and family gathered to plant a Plains Cottonwood tree in memory of 2007 NACD President and fellow Wyomingite Olin Sims.

NACD Stewardship and Education Coordinator Susan Schultz travelled to Orlando, Florida early this month to present at the Project WET conference. Project WET is a nonprofit organization that focuses on worldwide water education. Pictured at left with Schultz are Project WET State Coordinators Karla Beatty, Oklahoma Conservation Commission, Joey Breaux, Louisiana Office of Soil and Water Conservation, and Joni Scharfenberg, Alaska's Fairbanks Soil and Water Conservation District.

The National Watershed Coalition recently recognized both NACD and Director of Legislative Affairs Keira Franz at their recent national conference. The NWC awarded NACD a Partnership in Excellence Award and presented Franz with an Extra Mile Award. The awards recognized Franz and the Association's efforts on behalf of watershed project sponsors, as well as NACD's support for the revitalization of NRCS watershed programs through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Franz is pictured above with Past NACD President Bill Wilson, NWC Immediate Past Chairman Don Underwood and NWC Executive Director Dan Sebert.

The Alabama Conservation District Employees Association (ACDEA) held a Living Legacy tree planting in honor of 2007 NACD President Olin Sims. ACDEA planted the Autumn Blaze Red Maple at the Guntersville State Lodge in Guntersville, Ala. in conjunction with their annual spring workshop.

The Lingle-Fort Laramie Conservation District planted a tree in Lingle, Wyoming early this week in memory of 2007 NACD President and fellow Wyomingite Olin Sims. The District board and a local third grade class planted a Rocky Mountain Juniper in the District's Botanical Park on Main Street in Lingle. Districts and partners around the country are planting trees to help build a living legacy in Sims' memory.

NACD Director of Communications Lisa Lerwick planted a tree in Wyoming as part of the Olin Sims Living Legacy project. Lerwick and her family members planted an Autumn Blaze Maple tree on her parents’ farm outside Albin, Wyoming to remember fellow Wyomingite and 2007 NACD President Olin Sims. Districts and partners around the country are planting trees to help build a living legacy in Sims’ memory.

NACD Secretary/Treasurer Jack Majeres is shown in the photo above with a group of third-grade students from the Dell Rapids St. Mary Catholic School in Dell Rapids, SD. Majeres led the students in an activity that shows the affects of rainfall on bare soil and how plant matter and mulch can prevent erosion and improve the water quality of the runoff.

NACD Second Vice President Earl Garber is shown in the photo to the left with a group of students from the St. Francis Elementary School in Iota, La.  doing a hands-on soils activity following a Stewardship Week lesson.

NACD First Vice President Gene Schmidt and Indiana conservation representatives celebrated 2009 Stewardship Week in in Indianapolis with the dedication of a white oak tree to the Olin Sims' Living Legacy Program. Pictured in the photo are (l-r) Roger Cult with NRCS, Schmidt, Paula Baldwin with the Indiana Association of SWCDs and Anne Hazlett with the Indiana Department of Agriculture.

As part of the 2009 Stewardship Week, themed "Dig It! The Secrets of Soil," NACD President Steve Robinson participated in a Living Legacy tree planting ceremony in Franklin County Soil and Water Conservation District in Ohio. Robinson is pictured in the photo above with property owner Jude Mollenhauer and Franklin County SWCD Supervisor Katie Renner.

As part of the 2009 Stewardship Week, themed "Dig It! The Secrets of Soil," NACD Education Coordinator Susan Schultz leads 25 second grade students in a soil painting exercise at Fort Hunt Elementary in Alexandria, Va.

The Walton County Soil & Water Conservation District recently planted a State of Georgia Pecan Tree as part of the Olin Sims Living Legacy project. NACD Past President John Redding is chair of the Walton County SWCD. Redding is pictured at left with fellow district board members Dan Bennett, Nathan Malcom and Cliff Harrison; District Conservationist Jose' Pagan; and Crista Carrell, Executive Director of the Georgia Association of Conservation district Supervisors. Districts and partners around the country are planting trees in memory of 2007 NACD President Olin Sims. For more information on the Olin Sims Living Legacy program and how you can get involved, click here.

York County Conservation District (YCCD) in Pennsylvania recently organized a tree planting in honor of 2007 NACD President Olin Sims. The event was held in tandem with a National Agriculture Day celebration at the Horn Farm Center for Agricultural Education in York, Pa. As a living legacy to Sims and their shared commitment of good stewardship of the land, the District planted a native Red Maple. Similar tree plantings are happening across the country to honor Sims,  a Wyoming rancher whose passion for the land inspired all who knew him and whose legacy continues to live on in our hearts and minds. For more information on the Olin Sims Living Legacy program and how you can get involved, click here.

NACD Secretary-Treasurer Jack Majeres participated in the 25x’25 Alliance’s 5th National Renewable Energy Summit in Washington D.C. last week. This year’s summit focused on the role of agriculture and forestry in a carbon-reduced economy, community wind, sustainability, and the further development of woody biomass. NACD has participated as a national partner with the 25x’25 initiative for several years, and Majeres has represented NACD at a number of the Alliance’s activities. Majeres is pictured in the photo above with the 25x’25 Alliance Steering Committee co-chairs Bill Richards and Read Smith. Click here for more information about the 25x’25 effort.

Several Kentucky conservation district officials travelled to Washington, D.C. last week to meet with their Congressional delegation. During the visit, the Kentucky Conservation Partnership hosted their annual Congressional breakfast hosting Congressional staffers, representatives from the Governor's office and other partners. NACD CEO Krysta Harden, Director of Communications Lisa Lerwick and Grassroots Manager Jeremy Peters represented NACD at the event. While in town, the group visited NACD's Headquarters to see the results of the recent building renovations. Kentucky districts, members and employees have generously donated more than $7,500 toward the cause. For more information and current totals on the 509 Capitol Court Campaign, click here.

Representatives from NACD, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the National Association of Conservation District Employees (NCDEA), the National Association of State Conservation Agencies (NASCA), and the National Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils (NARC&D) met last week for the quarterly Conservation Partnership meeting. Leaders discussed issues of common interest, including NRCS’ implementation of the economic stimulus funds, farm bill conservation program regulation status, the NRCS audit, and plans for a 2010 national training session. Pictured at left are (back, l-r) NRCS Acting Chief Dave White, NCDEA President Connie Richmeier, (front, l-r) NACD President Steve Robinson, NARC&D President Joan Smith Freeman and NASCA President Mike Brown.

NACD members from around the country stopped by the NACD headquarters office in Washington, D.C. last week while they were in town on business. Pictured in the photo to the left is NACD Virginia Board Member John Peterson and Virginia State Association Past President Daphne Jamison with NACD CEO Krysta Harden and Grassroots Manager Jeremy Peters. Peterson and Jamison were in town for Hill visits and to see the “Dig It!” Smithsonian soils exhibit. Additional visitors included representatives from Alaska, Ohio, South Dakota, Washington and Georgia. If a delegation from your district or state has plans to travel to D.C., we hope you stop by the NACD office at 509 Capitol Court, NE. We would love to see you.

The Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts held its annual Leadership Institute trip to Washington, D.C., March 1-5, 2009. While in D.C., the group’s 26 participants spent time with NACD staff to discuss a variety of topics including NACD’s policy development process, grassroots engagement and communication, and natural resource priorities in Minnesota. The group also took advantage of opportunities to meet with members of Congress, federal agency leaders, and to tour our nation’s capital. The Leadership Institute participants are pictured above visiting with staff at the NACD office.

NACD’s 2009 Officer Team was in town last week to plan the year and meet with staff and partners. While in town, they also welcomed several visitors to the newly renovated office, including members from Washington, Oregon, New York, Kentucky and Georgia. Pictured from left to right are Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission (GSWCC) Deputy Executive Director David Eigenberg, GSWCC Executive Director Brent Dykes, NACD First Vice President Gene Schmidt, NACD CEO Krysta Harden, NACD Second Vice President Earl Garber, NACD Secretary/Treasurer Jack Majeres, NACD President Steve Robison and GSWCC Vice Chairman and Conservation District Supervisor Steve Singletary.

NACD was represented early this week by Second Vice President Earl Garber at a meeting of the U.S. EPA Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Federal Advisory Committee (FRRCC) in Washington, D.C. Garber has served for the past year on the advisory committee, which advises the EPA Administrator on issues related to agriculture and the environment. The Committee just completed its first year of work, which has largely focused on developing advice related to EPA’s biofuels strategy. Pictured from left are NACD Grassroots Manager Jeremy Peters, Garber, U.S. EPA Acting Counselor to the Administrator for Agricultural Policy Sally Shaver and FRRCC Chair and Indiana producer James Moseley.

At the 2009 NACD Annual Meeting in New Orleans, La. earlier this month, NACD leadership, partners, and meeting attendees gathered on Poydras St. in New Orleans to plant a tree in memory of 2007 NACD President Olin Sims. The planting is one of many happening across the country as part of the Olin Sims Living Legacy program, which encourages districts and conservationists to plant a tree to honor his strong leadership and passion for conservation. NACD leadership is pictured below at the New Orleans tree planting with Tammie Sims from Wyoming and Joey Breaux from the Louisiana Conservation Commission. Click here for more information on the Living Legacy program and how you can get involved.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture invited friends and partners to the Department grounds this week to unveil to location of and break ground for the People’s Garden. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack addressed the group, highlighting the need to enhance and conserve land and water resources. He then chipped away at a paved walkway that will be eliminated to create a community garden. NACD joined several conservation and environmental groups at the event. Pictured at left are NACD Chief Executive Officer Krysta Harden, NRCS Acting Chief Dave White, NACD Director of Legislative Affairs Keira Franz and NACD Grassroots Manager Jeremy Peters.

The National Association of Conservation Districts installed a new slate of officers at the Appreciation Banquet of the 2009 NACD Annual Meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana.  Leading the association over the next two years will be (l-r) President Steve Robinson from Marysville, Ohio; First Vice President Gene Schmidt from Hanna, Indiana; Second Vice President Earl Garber from Basile, Louisiana and Secretary/Treasurer Jack Majeres from Dell Rapids, South Dakota. Conservation district leaders from across the country joined together for four days of networking, learning and fun at the 2009 conference. For more photos of the conference, click here.

NACD Communications Associate Mary Hammon traveled to Columbus, Ohio for the Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation District’s (OFSWCD) annual meeting. On the eve of the national inauguration, Ohio celebrated the inauguration of the new OFSWCD President Lawrence Burdell and the nearing installation of fellow Ohioan Steve Robinson as NACD President. NACD thanks Ohio for their strong leadership and continued support. Hammon is pictured in the photo above with Ohio conservation leaders.

NACD Secretary/Treasurer Gene Schmidt participated in the Louisiana Association of Conservation District’s Annual Meeting in Lafayette, La. Schmidt met with the board, addressed the full group and discussed conservation issues with leaders from state government. Schmidt also thanked the group for their work in preparing for NACD’s Annual Meeting, which will be held in their state next week. He is pictured in the photo above with Louisiana leadership.