VESP means good stewardship in Vermont 08/14/2017
By Bill Berry What good things are there to say about the Vermont Environmental Stewardship Program (VESP)? Let us count some of the ways. The program will be piloted this year and next on 10 to 12 farms. It is an example of cooperative conservation at its best with roles for federal, state, and local…… Continue reading →
Conservation in Montana: Cooperation and Trust Conquer Weeds in Sweet Grass County 08/10/2017
The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (MDNRC) has recently published three stories on Montana farmers and ranchers who have devoted a great deal of time and energy to conservation work. NACD would like to thank Linda Brander, a resource specialist for the Conservation Districts Bureau within MDNRC, for the opportunity to republish this story on our blog. Story by John Grassy…… Continue reading →
Revitalizing an Alabama neighborhood through urban agriculture 07/31/2017
Guest column by Holly Lynne Killian [caption id="attachment_9673" align="alignright" width="415"] Community leader and “Revitalizing Hillman” Project Coordinator Virginia Ward at the Bessemer Farmers Market.[/caption] In the southwestern part of Birmingham, Alabama, lies a seasonal high tunnel (also known as a hoop house) overflowing with fresh vegetables. Located in the neighborhood of Hillman, the high tunnel…… Continue reading →
County-level conservation department, tribe in Wisconsin partner to expand access and delivery on Indian lands 07/31/2017
Tribal Outreach and Partnership Success Story: Oneida Tribe and Outagamie County Land Conservation Department in Wisconsin By Dave Vogel In Wisconsin, the Oneida Tribe has been an active participant in conservation programs implementing buffers, restoring native prairies, and eliminating fish blockages throughout the Lower Fox River Watershed. Most recently, the Oneida Tribe established a cooperative agreement with the…… Continue reading →
New peer-to-peer web conference series to help reinvigorate conservation planning 07/26/2017
The National Conservation Planning Partnership is excited to introduce a new peer-to-peer web conference series to support conservation planning staff and partners. Developed as part of a national priority to reinvigorate conservation planning, the interactive workshops will help to ensure that our field staff are fully engaged and have the right tools to work one-on-one…… Continue reading →
Conservation in Montana: The Chance of a Lifetime 07/14/2017
The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (MDNRC) has recently published three stories on Montana farmers and ranchers who have devoted a great deal of time and energy to conservation work. NACD would like to thank Linda Brander, a resource specialist for the Conservation Districts Bureau within MDNRC, for the opportunity to republish this story on our blog. Story by John Grassy…… Continue reading →
A District’s Guide: Printing NACD Stewardship Materials 07/12/2017
Guest column by Coleta Bratten My district used to spend $1,100 to $1,800 a year purchasing soil stewardship education materials. By printing these materials at the office, we save a lot of money and are able to keep the stewardship program going in our county. Currently, we print and distribute bookmarks, placemats, and teachers’ guides (black and white,…… Continue reading →
Leopold Award honors conservationists on working lands 07/06/2017
[caption id="attachment_9271" align="alignright" width="394"] Jim Krueger, executive director for the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts.[/caption] By Sara Kangas Time and time again, we’ve seen that locally-led, voluntary conservation on working lands is one of the biggest driving forces of effectively preserving and protecting natural resources. Landowners across the nation are committed to this very principle,…… Continue reading →
Indiana conservation district plays part in alleviating food insecurity 07/06/2017
Guest column by Cara Culp [caption id="attachment_9264" align="alignright" width="494"] Container gardens ready for pick up at one of the local food pantries in Hamilton County, Indiana.[/caption] In 2016, the Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District (HCSWCD), located just north of Indianapolis, was awarded an NACD grant to develop an urban agriculture program with a…… Continue reading →
Conservation in Montana: Endecott Ranch 06/16/2017
The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (MDNRC) has recently published three stories on Montana farmers and ranchers who have devoted a great deal of time and energy to conservation work. In the series' first story (featured below), we meet Janet Endecott of McAllister, Montana. NACD would like to thank Linda Brander, a resource specialist for the Conservation Districts Bureau within MDNRC,…… Continue reading →