National Association of Conservation Districts

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. Vilsack commended NACD's conservation efforts as he emphasized the importance of agriculture and conservation work. "In the 1950s, a farmer was responsible for feeding 15-19 people," Vilsack said. "Today, a farmer must grow food for 155 people."

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.