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 Applauds House Farm Bill Passage
04/30/2026
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (H.R. 7567) with bipartisan support. The Act supports key programs, under Title II, that conservation districts help deliver each day, such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), and Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).
NACD Blog: Districts Bring Soil Education to Classrooms Across the Country
By Carly Long
04/28/2026
(Edited) Across the country, conservation districts are taking soil education straight to the classroom. In Michigan, the Missaukee Conservation District (CD) showed students how soil is alive with hands-on exploration of soil boxes. In South Carolina, students at the W.E. Parker Elementary School connected with the soil by making their own “Root Buddies” with the Edgefield Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD).
NACD Blog: Holding the Line Against Hemlock Woolly Adelgid in Western Michigan
04/28/2026
Western Michigan’s coldwater streams rely on eastern hemlock, a keystone species that cools water, stabilizes banks, and provides vital habitat. That makes the spread of hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA), a pinhead-sized insect that threatens these trees, especially concerning. Julia Place, Project Manager of the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Crew for the Mason-Lake Conservation District, leads a team working urgently to slow the infestation and protect local forests.
US Forest Service: The forest needs a hand
By Michael McCool
04/21/2026
In forests across the United States, recovery often begins with something small. A seed. Over time, forests grow, adapt and renew themselves through cycles shaped by fire, weather and insects. But in some cases, forests can be pushed beyond their ability to recover quickly on their own. That is where management begins.
Successful Farming: U.S. Farm Agency to Move Research and Food Safety Staff From Washington
By Leah Douglas
04/23/2026
The USDA said on Thursday it will relocate many research and food safety staff from the Washington region as part of its broader reorganization effort. The agency is in the process of moving most of its Washington-area staff — about 2,600 people — to five regional hubs in an effort to bring the workforce closer to farmers. Most USDA employees already live outside Washington.
Brownfield: USDA reorg moves ERS, NIFA, NASS jobs to Missouri By Carah Hart
04/27/2026
The USDA continues to roll out details of its reorganization. Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins says some employees of the department’s Economic Research Service and National Institute of Food and Agriculture will be relocated to Kansas City, Missouri.
USDA: Secretary of Agriculture Issues 2026 Wildfire Readiness Memorandum Ahead of Active Fire Season
04/29/2026
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today issued a new Secretarial Memorandum and letter directing the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service to heighten national wildfire readiness, accelerate community-focused risk reduction, and strengthen firefighter health and safety for the 2026 fire year.
Conservation%20Clips%20new%20banner%20(72%20x%2018%20in)%20(1).png
TigerCat: 6040 Carbonizer: Win-Win Solution
By Paul Larocci | North Carolina | Southeast Region
04/15/2026
After retiring from a rewarding and successful technology focused career, Barbara Bleiweis relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina. Chairing the HOA in her new neighborhood became a springboard for a second career in public service. In 2018, she was elected Supervisor for the Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District.
Brownfield: Planting green into cover crops is cutting input costs for central Illinois farmer
By Jared White | Logan County, IL | North Central Region
04/16/2026
A central Illinois farmer says adopting the practice of “planting green,” or planting into standing cover crops, is reducing his expenditures on inputs. Derek Martin, who grows corn and soybeans, in Logan County, says over a decade of cover crop, no-till, and strip-till practices have made an impact on more than just his soil.
Morning AgClips: Texas Soil and Water Stewardship Week Recognizes the Vital Role of Native Ecosystems
Texas | South Central Region
04/22/2026
The Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB) and the Association of Texas Soil & Water Conservation Districts (ATSWCD) in collaboration with statewide partners, have come together to highlight Texas Soil and Water Stewardship Week and the importance of voluntary land stewardship in Texas. The statewide campaign is April 26 through May 3, 2026, and the focus this year is “Soil. Where it all Begins.”
Pennsylvania Culture Press: Maryland’s “Edible Understory” is on the Verge of Being Discovered
Maryland | Northeast Region
04/24/2026
Anyone interested in getting involved in agroforestry can contact their local MDA Soil Conservation District. Funding is also available through the MDA’s Healthy Soils Competitive Fund. Additionally, the quasi-government Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO) can provide funding for farmers and forest product companies to purchase equipment.
North Central PA: Riparian forest restoration group plants 100,000th live stake
Selinsgrove, PA | Northeast Region
04/27/2026
In the seven years since the Collaborative’s founding, local partners have joined or shown their support, including Juniata College, Clearwater Conservancy, Huntington County Conservation District, Union County Conservation District, Snyder County Conservation District, and the Penns Valley Conservation Association.
KUAF: USDA staff cuts threaten Arkansas farmers
By Matthew Moore | Arkansas | South Central Region
04/27/2026
Agriculture is Arkansas’s largest industry. The Farm Bureau of Arkansas says farmers and ranchers add more than $20 billion to the state’s economy annually. But farming in Arkansas is also at a crossroads. There were more farm bankruptcies in Arkansas last year than in any other state — 33 — and it’s unclear how much help is on the way from the federal government.
Bradford Era: We are the McKean County Conservation District
By Matthew Moore | Pennsylvania | Northeast Region
04/29/2026
Recognized by both the Pennsylvania State House and Senate, April 26-May 2, 2026, is Conservation District Week. We all know the importance of clean water and healthy soil to keep our families fed. Did you know that your local county conservation district is working in your community to ensure there is enough clean water and healthy soil for future generations?