PLT helps teachers, local SWCD connect students with environment 12/18/2019
Virginia's Hanover-Caroline Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is working with teachers to expand conservation education opportunities within the Hanover County Public Schools district. Hanover-Caroline SWCD staff facilitated a Project Learning Tree (PLT) professional development program for teachers prior to the start of the school year to guide teachers on how to integrate environmental education… Continue reading →
Investing in Tomorrow: The NCF Year in Review 12/16/2019
As the year comes to a close, we at the National Conservation Foundation (NCF) are grateful for the tireless work of our volunteers throughout our network of conservation districts and local Envirothon programs. We know none of the work that NCF supports would be accomplished without you. Just look at what we have been accomplishing… Continue reading →
Conservation Innovation at the Forefront at NACD’s 2020 Annual Meeting 12/11/2019
By Laura Demmel Innovations within the conservation space are happening all the time. From landscape planning tools, agriculture precision tools, remote sensing tools, artificial intelligence and machine learning, and seed and nutrient discoveries, technology is undoubtedly changing the way we deliver conservation on the ground. The landscape of conservation innovation may rightly feel overwhelming… Continue reading →
District Workshops for Pollinator Prairies Expand Native Habitat in Oklahoma 12/02/2019
By Katrina Vaitkus The Oklahoma County Conservation District (OCCD) in Oklahoma recently held two Pollinator Prairie Workshops as a part of a larger Pollinator Prairie Workshop Series. Kevin Mink, the urban soil health specialist for the district, had the idea to launch this project, hoping to do experiments to help people learn how to transition… Continue reading →
Friends of NACD District Grant Program seeks to support local districts 12/02/2019
By Ariel Rivers Many individuals connected to the NACD community carry a passion for the work of the conservation districts across the country, and they show this passion through their donations to the Friends of NACD program. Friends of NACD provides an opportunity for individuals to donate to the work NACD conducts in support of… Continue reading →
SWCD utilizes available programs to meet military and watershed needs 11/18/2019
Minnesota’s Morrison Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is using federal and state programming and a partnership with the military to secure easements and establish and maintain buffers. The effort aims to protect and improve water quality and wildlife habitat around the National Guard’s Camp Ripley. “We know if we can protect 75 percent of… Continue reading →
District working to improve Cleveland’s tree canopy 11/18/2019
Ohio’s Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is in the early stages of work on a Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) project that would expand tree planting and landowner education on larger properties. It’s part of a broader effort by the district, with help from government entities, to increase tree canopy in urban areas.… Continue reading →
Committee holds hearing on agriculture’s role in climate change 11/18/2019
By Lea Mayer On Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019, the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis held a hearing on agriculture’s ability to positively impact and mitigate the effects of climate change. Entitled, "Solving the Climate Crisis: Opportunities in Agriculture," the hearing introduced key components in Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) that would help reduce greenhouse gas… Continue reading →
New York district tackles erosion and promotes stream conservation 11/18/2019
One New York farmer’s erosion concerns has prompted the Tioga County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) to use a $244,130 grant to install riparian buffers on the property and conduct streambank protection and wetland mitigation downstream. The farm sustained erosion damage following heavy rains last year and contacted the SWCD for assistance. After walking the… Continue reading →
Rhode Island district helps maintain statewide high water quality standards 11/18/2019
The Northern Rhode Island Conservation District (NRICD) has developed a partnership with the city-owned Providence Water Supply Board and the State of Rhode Island that will utilize $2.9 million from a U.S. Forest Service grant to continue improving water quality in the Scituate Reservoir Watershed by providing easements to landowners who are managing their forests.… Continue reading →