| Conservation Clips is a weekly collection of articles distributed by NACD that provides our members and partners with the latest news in what’s driving conservation. These articles are not indicative of NACD policy and are the opinions of their authors, unless otherwise noted. If you have a relevant submission or need assistance with accessing articles, please contact the NACD Communications Team.
NACD Blog: Conservation District Forester Spotlight: Ellie Johnson In this Conservation District Forester Spotlight, meet Ellie Johnson, the forester for Benzie, Grand Traverse, and Leelanau Conservation Districts in Michigan. Ellie has been in her role for a year and answered questions about her experience so far.
NRCS: USDA Invests Nearly $4.7 Million in Wetland Mitigation Banks USDA has awarded nearly $4.7 million in grant funding for the Wetland Mitigation Banking Program, a grant program that supports the development of mitigation banks for the restoration, creation or enhancement of wetlands to compensate for unavoidable impacts to wetlands at another location. Farm Progress: Get Spring Cover Crop Termination Right One of the greatest strategic challenges for producers planting cover crops is termination. There are a few methods in terminating cover crops, such as herbicides, mechanical rollers or crimping, and mowing. There are also special considerations for termination with the drought conditions. The Delphos Herald: Tips for First Time No-Tillers High fuel prices, high inputs costs for chemicals and fertilizer, labor shortages, and weather issues are starting to make no-till farming more appealing. Getting started in no-till can be challenging because it is a different system and it takes time to learn new skills. Here are some tips for getting started. Farm Progress: 7 Winter-Blooming Plants to Nourish Bees Cultivated winter bloomers are an important consideration when planning a garden. During the bleak days of winter, bees and other pollinators look to gardeners for the nourishment that keeps them going until the more abundant seasons of the year arrive. USDA: USDA Provides more than $70 Million to Protect Crops and Natural Resources from Invasive Pests and Diseases in 2023 USDA is allocating more than $70 million to support 350 projects under the Plant Protection Act’s Section 7721 program as part of a nationwide effort to strengthen the country’s infrastructure for pest detection, surveillance, and mitigation, as well as protect the U.S. nursery system.
NRCS: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Accepting EQIP Applications through February 8 for Two Arkansas Water Quality Projects The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is investing in two new landscape-level water quality efforts for the National Water Quality Initiative in Arkansas. South Dakota Soil Health Coalition: Growing Connections: New App Creates Soil Health Social Network South Dakota farmers, ranchers and gardeners are making strides in improving soil health, and they’re willing to share what works and what doesn’t. A new app from the South Dakota Soil Health Coalition aims to make it easier to reach out to fellow farmers and soil health experts. Ashland SWCD: Check Out Your Conservation Fieldprint Ashland Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is hosting the Conservation Chat: Your Conservation Fieldprint to introduce Ashland area farmers to a free, no-strings-attached tool to help not only identify their farm’s sustainability but to also create new opportunities or recognizing their good stewardship with new financial incentives. Somerset County SWCD: Sign Up Now for March Pruning Workshop Join the Somerset County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) for an outdoors skill-building workshop on Saturday morning, March 4. The workshop will cover methods and tools used to prune fruit trees in order to increase their viability and production. California Ag Today: Growers Invited to See Benefits of Cover Crops in Orchards, Vineyards Growers are invited to tour orchards and vineyards and hear from other growers about their experiences with cover crops. These tours are part of an ongoing project by the Napa Resource Conservation District and other local partners to help growers learn about cover cropping. KCII News: Crop Insurance Discount Program for Cover Crops Extended The Iowa Secretary of Agriculture extended the deadline to apply for the Crop Insurance Discount Program for cover crops to Jan. 27. Farmers who planted fall cover crops in 2022 can apply to receive a $5 per acre discount on their 2023 crop insurance premiums. The Express: Centre Conservation District Presents Annual Conservation Awards The Centre County Conservation District recently presented their 2022 Conservation Awards. These awards celebrate and recognize individuals for their work on conservation projects or longstanding service to conservation. Morning Ag Clips: Nebraska Soil Health School Registration Open The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) will host the first Nebraska Soil Health School, intended to enhance the technical soil-related knowledge of growers, crop consultants, ag professionals, UNL faculty and students, USDA-NRCS employees and others. Wilkes Journal-Patriot: Wilkes Soil & Water Receives Honors The Wilkes Soil & Water Conservation District and several of its individual staff members received honors during the 79th annual meeting of the North Carolina Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts on Jan. 8-10. The Meadville Tribune: Waterway Conservation Projects in Northwest Region Receive Funding Crawford County Conservation District, which coordinates the tree-planting program with area high schools, received more than $150,000 in funding to support its riparian restoration efforts, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has announced. The Lufkin Daily News: Forest Service Reduces Wildfire Risk, Improves Forest Health The National Forests and Grasslands in Texas will conduct controlled burning operations across its landscape in the next few months. The River Cities Tribune & Register: Conservation District Announces Tree Sale The Meigs Soil and Water Conservation District announced its 2023 tree sale is underway, with orders being taken through Feb. 14. KPBS: Chula Vista District Using Gardens as Classrooms for Conservation The Chula Vista Elementary School District is taking the lead in teaching students how to compost and conserve through gardening. The district has 37 gardens on campuses maintained by students, parents, and teachers who volunteer their time. Rappahannock News: Grants Available to Help Eligible Rappahannock Residents with Septic System Repairs Through the Culpeper Soil and Water Conservation District, Rappahannock County residents who live in the Rush River and White Walnut Run watersheds are eligible for reimbursement of up to 80% of the expense of pumping and inspecting, repairing or replacing residential septic systems. |