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 Blog: Friends of NACD Grant Helps Build Environmental Stewards in Northern Pennsylvania
By Jackson Moody
09/08/2026
The Northwinds 4-H Camp is a four-day residential camp offered to all eight- to 13-year-olds within a five-county area in Northern Pennsylvania. Last summer, McKean County Conservation District received a Friends of NACD grant to support camp operations and development of the next generation of environmental stewards.
Investigate Midwest: Illinois, Midwest saw large reduction in conservation staff in 2025, study shows
By Nikoel Hytrek
08/31/2026
Illinois producers wanting to pursue conservation projects have fewer resources this year with almost half of Illinois counties having lost federal conservation staff in 2025. Data published in June by the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition shows Illinois had 77 fewer Natural Resources Conservation Service staff in January 2026 compared to January 2025’s staffing levels.
Farm Progress: Balance soil health and wildlife conservation
By Rebecca Kern-Lunbery
09/04/2026
Increasingly in the agriculture industry, we hear producers referring to themselves not as corn growers or soybean producers, but rather as land managers. This title indicates a lot more than driving a tractor and harvesting crops. It indicates they are the stewards of vast stretches of our rural landscape. They understand they are responsible for taking care of the ground and the wildlife living there.
NCF: John Redding Inducted into NCF-Envirothon Hall of Fame
09/08/2026
The National Conservation Foundation proudly recognized longtime conservation leader John Redding of Georgia with induction into the NCF-Envirothon Hall of Fame during the 2026 NCF-Envirothon annual competition, held this past July at Mississippi State University in Starkville, Mississippi.
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Lancaster Farming: Maryland Farmers Aim to Take Cover Cropping to the Next Level
By | Maryland | Northeast Region
08/26/2026
Maryland farmers already lead the nation in percentage of cover cropped acres, but there’s always plenty more to learn about the growing practice that helps build soil, cycle nutrients and control weeds.
EIN Presswire: Napa Green Awarded $3 Million Grant to Fund Regenerative Farming
Napa, CA | Pacific Region
09/03/2026
Napa Green, a community-based climate action nonprofit dedicated to promoting sustainable wine production and regenerative agriculture, has been awarded a $3 million Advancing Markets for Producers grant from the National Association of Conservation Districts. The grant directs $2 million directly to local growers to implement regenerative practices such as cover cropping, compost and biochar application, no-till farming, rotational grazing, and hedgerow planting.
Farmers.gov: Fridays on the Farm: Conservation That Benefits the Next Generation
By Seth Smallwood | Breckinridge County, KY | Southeast Region
09/04/2026
This Friday, meet the Hinton family of Breckinridge County, Kentucky. Hinton Legacy LLC is a multigenerational family operation where the rolling hay fields, row crops, bright cut flower patches and forestland show the care the family puts into their land each day. For the Hintons, farming is rooted in family, tradition, and a commitment to caring for the soil to keep it in production for generations to come.
The Leavenworth Echo: After the fire, the land begins again
By Taylor Caldwell | Washington | Pacific Region
09/06/2026
After a fire, Cascadia Conservation District works with private landowners in or near a burned area — which can be susceptible to flooding and mud flows long after the fact. After the 2015 Chelan Complex Fire, Haggerty recalled making hundreds of site visits to private properties to offer advice and assistance with hazard risk and land recovery efforts.
All For Gardening: Community-focused gardening takes root in Alaska
By Meghan Sullivan | Alaska | Pacific Region
09/09/2026
Similarly, the Native Village of Tyonek and the Tyonek Tribal Conservation District established Tyonek Grown in 2010, a program which seeks to “[enhance] food security and [provide] fresh organic vegetables to community members.”
East Bay RI: Their farm keeps growing in Portsmouth
By Jim McGaw | Portsmouth, RI | Northeast Region
09/09/2026
After leaving her position with Portsmouth schools, the AgInnovation co-founder has taken an expanded role as education director for the Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District, which operates the student-run farm off Jepson Lane.