Education and Outreach

[caption id="attachment_30902" align="alignright" width="342"] NRCS Chief Matt Lohr, pictured far right, with competitors.[/caption] Every year in May, nearly 1,000 4-H and FFA students and coaches from over 34 states gather for the National Land and Range Judging Contest. Students test their skills in judging the adaptability of the land for various purposes, including farming, range…… Continue reading →

By Ariel Rivers Across the United States, the high average age (57.5 years) of farmers and ranchers has motivated many conservation districts to support beginning farmers and ranchers in a number of ways as they begin their new operations. In Spokane, Wash., the Spokane Conservation District (SCD), led by director Vicki Carter, is taking an…… Continue reading →

By Sara Kangas Since 1910, Boy Scouts of America – which consists of Cub Scouts (grades K-5); Boy Scouts (beginning at age 10 or who have completed fifth grade) and Venturing (ages 14-21) – has overseen programs for millions of children, training them in responsible citizenship, character development and self-reliance. As part of the tradition…… Continue reading →

By NACD Southeast Region Representative Candice Abinanti Strolling along San Antonio, Texas,’ Historic Downtown River Walk,  it can be easy to overlook the infrastructure that keeps the water in the San Antonio River level. After all, San Antonio has a history with flooding. During the 73rd NACD Annual Meeting, the Association of Texas Soil and Water…… Continue reading →

Note from the editor: This blog is the first of a two-part series. By Laura Demmel A conversation has been brewing for years on the topic of agricultural sustainability. As consumers care more and more about where their food comes from, the entire food and agriculture industry has responded. From the farm level to the…… Continue reading →

By Caitlin Stewart Earlier this fall, the Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District (HCSWCD) in upstate New York hosted its 38th annual Lynn Galusha Memorial Conservation Field Day to encourage fifth and sixth graders to become the future stewards of our natural resources. The event drew 72 area students from Lake Pleasant, Wells, Long…… Continue reading →

By Carly Burton I recently had the opportunity to travel to Pocatello, Idaho: the location of the 2018 NCF-Envirothon competition. Pocatello is a city sprinkled with hills (and mini-volcanoes that still steam!) nestled between mountains and flat farmland. It shares a portion of its land with the Fort Hall Indian Reservation and is known as…… Continue reading →

She’s a wee bit smaller than your typical superhero. But the creators of a new soil health-themed coloring book believe “Mighty Mini Microbe’s Tale” will encourage the next generation of real-life hero farmers, conservationists, and scientists to further unlock the secrets in the soil. The 24-page coloring book is produced by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation…… Continue reading →

On the afternoon of Wednesday, October 18, 2017, the Barker Ranch in West Richland, Washington, hosted its 10th Annual Wounded Veteran Duck Hunt to honor those that have served and sacrificed for their country. The Barker Ranch is a 2,000-acre private ranch and wildlife area that is best known for the volume of ducks and…… Continue reading →

By Sara Kangas Bat Week is held each October 24 – 31 and raises awareness for how integral bats are to our ecosystems. Bats are some of America’s best pollinators, but they’re often shrouded in mystery! Here are some facts about pollinating bats in the United States: Chiropterophily is the official term for pollination of…… Continue reading →