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 accessing articles, please contact the NACD Communications Team.
NACD: NACD Announces 2025 Photo, Poster Contest Winners
02/17/2026
The National Association of Conservation Districts announced the winners of the 2025 Photo and Poster Contests during the association’s 80th Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas.
NACD: NACD Announces 2026 Friends of NACD District Grant Recipients
02/17/2026
The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) announced the 2026 recipients of the Friends of NACD District Grants Program during NACD’s Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas. The Friends of NACD District Grants Program supports voluntary, locally led conservation education, youth development, and food security projects proposed by conservation districts across the NACD network.
NACD: NACD Honors National Award Winners at 80th Annual Meeting
02/18/2026
The National Association of Conservation Districts recognized winners of national service awards at the association’s 80th Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas.
NACD: Georgia’s Mark Masters Elected as NACD President-Elect
02/19/2026
The National Association of Conservation Districts’ (NACD) Board of Directors elected Mark Masters of southwest Georgia, to serve as the association’s President-Elect. He will serve a one-year term as President-Elect alongside current NACD President Gary Blair and will assume the role of NACD President in 2027.
NACD: NACD Welcomed New NRCS Leadership at 80th Annual Meeting
02/20/2026
At the National Association of Conservation Districts’ 80th Annual Meeting, conservationists from across the country welcomed new leaders from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service to the National Conservation Partnership. The partnership has endured for 80 years at the national level and nearly 90 years locally, since the first conservation district was established in 1937.
NACD: NACD Applauds Introduction of Farm Bill, Urges Swift Passage to Strengthen Conservation Title II
02/24/2026
The National Association of Conservation Districts expresses appreciation to Glenn “GT” Thompson, Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, for introducing the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2026, which reinforces the importance of conservation under Title II and provides much-needed certainty for farmers, ranchers, and locally led conservation efforts nationwide.
Successful Farming: USDA to Vacate South Building as Reorganization Moves Forward
By Mariah Squire
02/25/2026
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced Wednesday that the USDA has officially begun the process of turning the Agriculture South Building back over to the General Services Administration for disposal and eventual sale.
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The Sentinel Newspaper: What provides the power at this Cecil County farm? The cows
By Mary K. Ball | Maryland | Northeast Region
02/24/2026
The farm that Alice and Caleb Crothers inherited in 2015 was, like many dairy farms nationwide, struggling — but now, cow manure is helping to keep it going. Last fall, the Crothers started up a system — made up of a 60-foot-wide, 14-foot-deep container and special bacteria — that captures fumes from cow poop to generate electricity.
North Dakota Ag Connection: NRCS Helps Students Learn Agriculture
By Scout Nelson | Bismarck, ND | Northern Plains Region
02/24/2026
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service employees in North Dakota took part in the 2026 Living Ag Classroom to help students learn about agriculture, conservation, and food production. The event, hosted by North Dakota State University Extension at the Bismarck Event Center, brought together agricultural organizations to provide hands-on learning experiences for nearly 900 students.
The Eureka Herald: Greenwood County Conservation District Celebrates 75 Years Of Stewardship
Eureka, KS | Northern Plains Region
02/24/2026
In 1949, 228 local landowners voted in favor of forming what would become a cornerstone of conservation in the Flint Hills region, with just 11 opposed. By 1950, the Greenwood County Soil Conservation District was officially operating under the Kansas State Soil Conservation District Law of 1937, launching a coordinated effort to control erosion and conserve soil and water on local farmland.
Michigan Ag Connection: MDARD Boosts Statewide Regenerative Agriculture Outreach
By Andi Anderson | Michigan | North Central Region
02/25/2026
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has awarded $296,299 to Conservation Districts across the state to expand regenerative agriculture education and outreach. The funding is designed to strengthen farmer-to-farmer learning, increase adoption of soil‑building practices and help landowners understand the long-term benefits of regenerative agriculture.
Herald Star: Hellbenders discussed at national conference
By Cassidy Beach | Steubenville, OH | North Central Region
02/26/2026
The Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District was invited to share the story of its hellbender initiative with a national audience last week at the National Association of Conservation Districts 80th-annual meeting in San Antonio.