Urban & Community Conservation

The Pulaski Conservation District in Arkansas, in collaboration with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR), is leading a groundbreaking initiative aimed at tackling food insecurity in urban areas through community-driven urban agriculture. This program focuses on building partnerships, educating the community, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices to create lasting food security, particularly in…… Continue reading →

From extreme drought conditions, forest pest population booms, the resultant wildland mega-fires, depleted soil systems and water resources, Deschutes County, OR is no stranger to the complex and challenging resource concerns that impact so many transitional landscapes. Nestled along the eastern edge of the Cascade Mountain Range, the county boundary extends from forested mountain landscapes…… Continue reading →

This post is part of a three-part series highlighting conservation district projects that aim to reduce hunger and increase food security in their communities. Conservation districts play a critical role in bolstering food production, increasing agricultural resilience, and improving nutrition in rural and urban communities across the country. NACD, along with the conservation districts that…… Continue reading →

The Franklin County Soil and Water Conservation District (FCSWCD) in Franklin County, New York was awarded an Urban Agriculture Conservation (UAC) Grant through a partnership with the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to boost technical capacity nationwide. FCSWCD was one of 20…… Continue reading →

The Placer Resource Conservation District in California has been awarded an urban agriculture conservation grant through a partnership with the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to boost technical capacity nationwide. Placer RCD is among the 20 conservation districts across 14 states who…… Continue reading →

The Prince George’s Soil Conservation District (PGSCD) in Maryland was awarded a 2021 Urban Agriculture Conservation (UAC) Grant through a partnership with the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to boost technical capacity nationwide. PGSCD was one of 20 conservation districts across 14…… Continue reading →

By Ariel Rivers As recently announced, NACD and The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation (SMGF) have renewed their ongoing partnership to deliver urban webinars and information on backyard conservation. As part of these efforts, NACD participates in SMGF’s National Partner Network (NPN), a group of 17 organizations with a shared focus on water quality and sustainability across…… Continue reading →

The Ashland Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is sharing the world of conservation and urban agriculture with at-risk students in Ohio through a $44,000 NACD Urban Agriculture Conservation (UAC) grant. Initially, the grant was secured with the plans to conduct monthly hands-on educational visits to seven Head Start classes this spring, as well as…… Continue reading →

By Eric Hansen The 2018 Farm Bill required the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish an Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production. In authorizing the Office, Congress recognized that farmers in urban communities may not fully take advantage of USDA’s resources and may need extra focus. USDA recently created this Office within…… Continue reading →

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 →