The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) recently held a session at its Annual Meeting that focused on the importance of agroforestry practices in conservation and the critical role conservation districts play in supporting landowners. This session, featuring case studies from Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) and Snohomish Conservation District, highlighted the practical applications of agroforestry and how it’s being used to address local environmental challenges. The NRDs in Nebraska have long been leaders in conservation practices, and their tree planting programs are among the most successful in the country. For over 50 years, the NRDs have worked to stabilize soils, reduce erosion, and enhance water retention by planting trees. In fact, the NRD Conservation Tree Program has planted more than 100 million trees—an achievement that reflects Nebraska’s commitment to improving its landscapes. As part of this initiative, NRDs integrate agroforestry techniques like windbreaks and riparian buffers to create multifunctional landscapes that benefit both the environment and agricultural productivity. These practices not only protect crops and livestock from harsh weather but also reduce runoff, improve biodiversity, and enhance wildlife habitat.

The NRDs in Nebraska have long been leaders in conservation practices, and their tree planting programs are among the most successful in the country. For over 50 years, the NRDs have worked to stabilize soils, reduce erosion, and enhance water retention by planting trees. In fact, the NRD Conservation Tree Program has planted more than 100 million trees—an achievement that reflects Nebraska’s commitment to improving its landscapes. As part of this initiative, NRDs integrate agroforestry techniques like windbreaks and riparian buffers to create multifunctional landscapes that benefit both the environment and agricultural productivity. These practices not only protect crops and livestock from harsh weather but also reduce runoff, improve biodiversity, and enhance wildlife habitat.

The NRDs’ tree planting success story is an excellent example of how conservation districts can lead the way in adopting agroforestry practices. By implementing buffer zones, windbreaks, and tree plantings, Nebraska’s landowners are seeing multiple benefits—from soil conservation to increased biodiversity and improved water quality. The NRDs’ continued success highlights the importance of agroforestry in protecting and enhancing the state’s natural resources, providing a replicable model for other districts across the country.

In the Pacific Northwest, the Snohomish Conservation District in Washington state is taking a similarly innovative approach to agroforestry, working with farmers and landowners to integrate trees and shrubs into farming systems. The Snohomish district has implemented several demonstration projects focused on agroforestry, including alley cropping, windbreak installations, and riparian buffer restoration. These projects are designed to improve soil health, reduce water loss, and boost farm productivity—goals that directly benefit local producers.

One of the standout initiatives led by Snohomish Conservation District is the “Bountiful Buffers” program. This approach to riparian buffer restoration integrates agroforestry practices, allowing landowners to maintain traditional native riparian zones while introducing productive, agroforestry elements like food forests or forest farming. These buffers are more than just protective zones for waterways—they also offer valuable harvestable products, such as food, medicine, and materials, creating new income streams for landowners. By enhancing both the ecological and economic value of riparian zones, the Bountiful Buffers program demonstrates how agroforestry can contribute to sustainable land management practices.

The work being done in both Nebraska and Snohomish County is a testament to the power of agroforestry to create sustainable, productive landscapes. These examples show how conservation districts are leveraging agroforestry techniques to address environmental challenges such as soil erosion, water quality issues, and habitat loss, while also providing economic opportunities for landowners. By integrating trees into agricultural landscapes, both regions are fostering healthier ecosystems and increasing the resilience of farming systems.

The session at NACD’s Annual Meeting provided an opportunity to showcase these successful initiatives and emphasize the importance of continued investment in agroforestry education and technical assistance. The work of districts like the NRDs in Nebraska and the Snohomish Conservation District highlights the effectiveness of agroforestry in achieving conservation goals and supporting the livelihoods of landowners. As demand for agroforestry-related technical assistance grows, it is clear that conservation districts will continue to play a central role in advancing these practices.

Through partnerships and ongoing training, NACD is committed to helping more conservation districts adopt agroforestry practices and deliver the technical assistance that landowners need. As districts like those in Nebraska and Washington lead the way, their success stories will serve as valuable models for other regions looking to implement agroforestry as part of their conservation efforts.

NACD in partnership with the National Agroforestry Center will be offering 3 in-person agroforestry trainings for districts and their partners. The first of these trainings is expected to be offered later this year so please stay tuned for more information!

Tags: Forestry, Nebraska, northern plains, Forestry Notes, annual meeting