onservation 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 accessing articles, please contact the NACD Communications Team.
NACD Blog: Did You Know? The Association of Conservation Executive Director
By Desiree Van Dyke
04/21/2026
The Association of Conservation Executive Directors (ACED) became an NACD affiliate group in 2023. The role of an executive director of a state or territory association of conservation districts is unique, but because each state and territory operates differently, it can also be a solitary one. ACED has grown into a national network that keeps executive directors connected and informed.
NACD Blog: Field Event Spotlights Conservation Innovation
By Kyle Venell
04/21/2026
Farm Journal Trust In Food, in collaboration with Blue Diamond Growers and Agriland Farming Company, Inc., recently hosted growers, industry leaders, and conservation partners for an in-field event focused on advancing innovation in California almond production. The takeaway was straightforward: growers are already testing and using new technologies.
Farm Week Now: Farmers invited to join national study on farming practices and soil health
By Carly Smolek and Kim Cassida
04/09/2026
Farmers and ranchers across the U.S. have an opportunity to contribute to a national research effort examining how real-world farming practices influence soil health and agricultural resilience. Through this study, participants will complete a short survey on their farm management practices and submit a soil sample for free analysis.
Capital Press: Farm bill could emerge in ‘weeks rather than months’
By Tim Hearden
04/15/2026
The chairman of the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee said the body could get a new farm bill marked up in “weeks rather than months,” but it must be bipartisan to pass.
USDA: USDA Advances Reorganization and Restructuring of the Research, Education, and Economics Mission Area to Improve Efficiency and Better Serve American Farmers
04/23/2026
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Research, Education, and Economics (REE) Mission Area today announced a reorganization and leadership restructuring to better align its work with USDA priorities, improve operational efficiency, and deliver results more effectively for American farmers, ranchers, and producers.
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Brownfield Ag News: Missouri Corn: voluntary conservation practices helping water quality and farm profitability
By Carah Hart | Missouri | North Central Region
04/14/2026
The director of environmental programs with Missouri Corn says the voluntary practices Missouri farmers are taking to improve water quality have been working. Kurt Boeckmann tells Brownfield farmers are implementing cover crops, terraces, and grassed waterways to reduce erosion and nutrient loss.
AP: How a retired cranberry bog helped change the game for wetland restoration
By Jamie Jiang and Julia Vaz | Kodiak Island, AK | Pacific Region
04/10/2026
Glorianna Davenport looks out at hundreds of acres of protected wetlands that were once her family’s cranberry farms. In her hands are laminated pictures of striking red cranberry bogs fed by razor-straight water channels. It’s hard to believe the land where she stands — full of sinuous streams, wildlife, moss and tall trees — once looked so different.
Europe Says: Students put nature knowledge to the test at Envirothon
Pennsylvania | Northeast Region
04/18/2026
The event was organized by the Venango Conservation District, which has hosted the competition at the park for decades. Watershed specialist and education coordinator Rebecca Fagley coordinated the event for the first time this year with assistance from district manager Lisette Lane.
Magnolia Reporter: UADA specialist receives $1.6 million grant funding to plant more than 166,000 trees in central Arkansas
By Ryan McGeeney | Arkansas | South Central Region
04/20/2026
(Edited) The project has more than a dozen partnership organizations, including Arkansas Wild Spaces, Central Arkansas Water, Saline County Conservation District, Arkansas Department of Agriculture, and the Arkansas Association of Conservation Districts.
Pierce County Journal: RFHS student combines art and conservation into amazing talent
By Sarah Nigbor | Wisconsin | North Central Region
04/22/2026
A River Falls High School freshman has won first place in a state conservation poster contest two years in a row, representing Pierce County and Wildcat Pride.
The Daily Sentinel: Western Slope soil conservation districts pledge dollars to Shoshone efforts
Colorado | Southwest Region
04/22/2026
(Edited) Five Western Slope soil conservation districts, Eagle County Conservation District, De Beque-Plateau Valley Soil Conservation District, Bookcliff Conservation District, South Side Conservation District and Mount Sopris Conservation District, have joined a coalition to commit funding toward the Shoshone Water Rights Preservation Project. The districts have pledged a total of $30,000 to support the Colorado River District’s $99 million purchase of the water rights of the Shoshone hydroelectric plant in the Glenwood Canyon.