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. (Past project pictured.)

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. .

NEW SPEAKERS ANNOUNCED FOR 2023 ANNUAL MEETING

The 77th NACD Annual Meeting will focus on a theme of "Local Resiliency, National Community." Through networking opportunities, guest speakers, interactive sessions, and thought provoking panels, we will explore how conservation is built by local resiliency and locally-led initiatives, and strengthened through national community with partnerships and collaboration.

The event will host an array of conservation leaders - you are not going to want to miss the lineup of keynote speakers, panel guests, and breakout session leaders! One exciting event will be our "Wings Over Water" film screening and panel. Attendees will hear from Ducks Unlimited Chief Operating Officer Nick Wiley, Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation CEO Charles S. Potter Jr., and Audubon Chief Conservation Officer Marshall Johnson, and others. Read about these speakers and more on our website.

Hosted in partnership with the Louisiana Association of Conservation Districts, the 2023 Annual Meeting will take place in New Orleans, Louisiana from February 11-15 at the New Orleans Marriott. The deadline to reserve a room in the discounted room block is Friday, January 20. Registration will also be open online through January 20, 2023.

NACD's Annual Meeting is the biggest event of the year and brings hundreds of conservation leaders from across the nation together. The Annual Meeting agenda includes a full NACD board meeting and is packed with opportunities for attendees to network and hear from a variety of conservation speakers. Visit NACD's Annual Meeting webpage to learn more about some of the exciting breakout sessions and speakers that will be featured at the upcoming meeting!

DONATE TO THE NATIONAL CONSERVATION FOUNDATION'S 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.