Today, Barry Fisher of Greencastle, Ind., was named this year’s recipient of the Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) Conservationist of the Year Award.     

The 2022 Award was announced by Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Associate Chief Louis Aspey to Fisher during a ceremony hosted at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The CCA Conservationist of the Year Award annually recognizes a certified crop adviser who exhibits dedication to exceptional conservation delivery and customer service and has shown to be a leader in their industry.

This year’s award recognizes Fisher, founder of Fisher Soil Health and former Central Region Leader for the NRCS National Soil Health Division, for his 40+ years of crop advising experience. In his career, Fisher has worked tirelessly to help farmers adopt conservation practices in Indiana and beyond. He has shared his strategies with farmers and specialists across the globe and used innovative and creative methods to break down barriers to conservation adoption. 

“Mr. Fisher has demonstrated a deep commitment to protecting and enhancing our natural resources in his work with Indiana farmers,” said NRCS Associate Chief Louis Aspey. “NRCS is proud to have one of its own recognized for his lasting impact in the soil conservation field. NRCS applauds Mr. Fisher’s innovative and impactful CCA work throughout his career.”

Read the full press release on NACD’s website.

STILL TIME TO APPLY

FOR URBAN AG GRANTS

Since 2016, NACD has partnered with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) on a very successful Urban Agriculture Conservation (UAC) grant initiative, awarding over $6.5 million dollars to 121 conservation districts in 38 states. 

In fiscal year 2023, NACD will again award up to $1.35 million through the UAC program. Districts may apply for two different tracts of funding: up to $10,000 for a UAC planning grant, to begin early-stage program development or for up to $60,000 for a UAC implementation grants. In both cases, these grants are meant to develop conservation district capacity, so grant budgets should focus primarily on staff time.

Interested applicants may review NACD’s Urban and Community Conservation webpage for the full request for proposals (RFP) and examples of projects from previous grantees. Grantees across the U.S. have completed projects like targeting outreach programs to underrepresented smallholder farmers, conducting activities related to urban soil health, and partnering with schools to expand learning gardens.

Conservation districts may view the complete request for proposals (RFP) on the Urban Agriculture Conservation webpage. The online application portal is now open, with a deadline of 11:59 p.m. Pacific on March 10, 2023.

Interested districts may direct any questions to Dr. Ariel Rivers NACD’s Director of Membership Engagement, at ariel-rivers@nacdnet.org.

DONATE TO THE NCF

LIVE AUCTION

During the 2023 NACD Annual Meeting in New Orleans, LA the National Conservation Foundation (NCF) will once again be hosting their Live Auction in support of the NCF-Envirothon and Next Generation Leadership Institute programs. The mission of NCF is to identify and advance strategic programs and partnerships to deliver conservation solutions through locally-led conservation and to develop the next generation of conservation leaders. The vision of the NCF is to support delivery of locally led conservation and to create future conservation leaders.

Individuals, conservation districts, and state associations are encouraged to donate unique items for the auction. Items can feature local artists, a special product made only in your state or territory, or interesting items with a conservation theme. Successful items in past auctions include pottery, jewelry, and “made in” agriculture products.

If you would like to donate an item to the 2023 NCF Live Auction, please fill out the donation form!

Since NCF is returning to the live only auction format, after completing the Auction Donation Form donors will be provided the shipping information for the meeting hotel and a date window. Smaller items can be brought along by NACD Annual Meeting attendees but will still need an Auction Donation Form entry. As they are received, all items will be added to our webpage with a description, photo, and credit to who provided the donation.

The auction will be held in-person on Monday, February 13 at 6:00 p.m. in New Orleans. If you would like to attend, please register for NACD's Annual Meeting.

CONSERVATION DISTRICT FORESTER SPOTLIGHT

In this Conservation District Forester Spotlight, meet Ellie Johnson, the forester for Benzie, Grand Traverse, and Leelanau Conservation Districts in Michigan. Ellie has been in her role for a year and answered questions about her experience so far.

Question: If you traced your interest back to its roots, what triggered your passion for forestry?

Answer: I can’t think of a specific moment; I just remember when I was little I named the giant red maples on the farmstead where I grew up. I had this gut feeling they needed me as much as I needed them. I still carry that feeling.

Q: What’s most rewarding about being a conservation district (CD) forester?

A: Connecting with so many types of people. Whether it’s the conversations I have with landowners, the speakers I work with on educational programs, the academics I learn from at workshops, or the coworkers and community members I collaborate with every day — each connection is its own reward.

Q: Other entities have forestry programs — what’s unique about a local CD offering forestry services?

A: CD foresters are the segue between private landowners and government agencies, private-sector tree care providers, academic researchers, and the nonprofit sector. We’re also the middle ground between all interest groups. I’m able to connect people with locally relevant expertise, success stories, funding sources, and community engagement.

Q: Outside your forestry training, what other skills have you found vital to your job?

A: I have a Bachelor’s in Science Education (shout-out to Clarion University of Pennsylvania!) in Secondary Biology Education, and that’s been extremely beneficial. I host educational programs, and being confident when communicating about forestry to any interest group or age — from preschooler to retiree — helps me be a better champion for the local environment and communities that live within it.

Q: What’s been your biggest success as a CD forester?

A: I’ve planted a lot of seeds (no pun intended) in arming landowners with knowledge on how to make the best management decisions for them and their woods. Folks call me with questions, trust my guidance, and allow me to go on these journeys with them to become better stewards for their forests — that’s success in itself.

Q: Who is one person who mentored you in your forestry/conservation career, and how did they influence you?

A: I have four: Dr. Suzanne Boyden and Dr. Bruce Smith of Clarion University of Pennsylvania, and Dr. Althea Hagan and Dr. Patrick Hiesl of Clemson University. I could write a book on what they mean to me. They never gave up on me, and they always showed up with encouragement, motivation, ideas, and kindness.

Q: What advice would you give a CD forester who is new to the job?

A: Connect with and lean on the amazing folks around you — coworkers, government representatives, nonprofits, researchers, practitioners, and other community members and professionals. People are your greatest resource.

Q: Last but not least, what’s one of your favorite trees, and why?

A: Southern live oaks (Quercus virginiana). I think of those sweeping, southeastern trees almost daily — especially the Angel Oak tree outside of Charleston, SC.

Read the full interview on NACD's blog.