BLUEPRINT -- February 2022
Let's Talk Trees!
There are hundreds of documented benefits to surrounding yourself, your business, or your community with trees. From physical and mental wellbeing to economic stimulus and crime reduction, planting trees on your property is a simple way to make a big impact. That’s why the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District is once again offering its popular Conservation Trees Program this year. The program provides residents of the district with the opportunity to buy bulk seedlings at a low cost for spring planting. More...
Woody Florals: Bradshaw Business Sees Annual Growth
Former NRD Board Member Gary Eberle has a different relationship with trees on his property than most Nebraska farmers. Far from seeing them as a nuisance on a fence line or useful only in a windbreak, Eberle and his wife, Nancy, have cultivated a modest agroforestry business using trees purchased in part through the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District Conservation Tree Program. Gary also farms 500 acres of no-till corn and soybeans with his son, Kirk, in the Bradshaw area, though he is partially retired from raising row crops and is focused more on the woody florals business. More...
Wildlife Habitat Improvement Programs
Want more wildlife on your land? We can help with that.

The district cooperates with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and Pheasants Forever on programs to create and enhance wildlife habitat. Federal agencies administer habitat development programs including the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) for wildlife habitat improvement and soil erosion control, the Wetland Reserve Program (WRP), Partners for Wildlife for wildlife habitat enhancement and the USDA-WHIP for habitat development. More...
Burke Scholarship:
Applications Due Soon!
Each spring, the board of the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District selects two recipients as Burke Scholars. Carrying on the name and legacy of conservationist and former NRD board member Raymond Burke, the students chosen each receive $2,000 to put toward their higher educational pursuits in natural resources or a related field at a Nebraska college or university. Full details and application are available at upperbigblue.org/education. Applications for 2022 are due March 25 and include three letters of recommendation that must be received by the deadline.
Nebraska's NRDs Reflect on 50 Years of Conservation
Throughout 2022, Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts will celebrate 50 years of protecting lives, property and the future. During the next 12 months, the NRDs will commemorate breakthroughs and achievements in conservation.

“In the past 50 years, NRDs have adapted while facing changes in technology, funding, legislation, agencies and society,” said Jim Eschliman, Nebraska Association of Resources Districts president. “Nebraska’s locally-led conservation model has been a successful legacy because of our ability to adapt to the local needs of our communities.” More...

Interested in NRD history? Check out the video below of former board member Merlin Volkmer talking about what has changed during his lifetime in agriculture in Nebraska, then check out our other history project videos as well!
Project GROW Winter Workshop Offers Producers New Ideas
From a deep dive into the nitrogen cycle to advice from Nebraska cover crop experts, to a look at the ag forecast for next year’s growing season, the 2021 Project GROW Winter Workshop presented a variety of relevant topics to local producers. Hosted by the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District, the event offered morning and afternoon breakout sessions for those looking for information on a range of agronomic topics, including those who needed nitrogen management operator certification or continuing education credits for crop advisors. More... Videos
Other News
Looking for a new employment opportunity? Check out the open positions on our website!
--Parting Shot--
This stunning shot of sunset at Pioneer Trails Recreation Area near Aurora was taken by NRD Projects Department Manager Jack Wergin.