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The Natural Resources Conservation Service — Helping People Help the Land.

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Alaska

Brownies learn about groundwater conservation from a demonstration of the ground water flow model (NRCS photo by Karin Sonnen)Girl Scouts Explore Groundwater Conservation
As a part of the Girl Scout World Thinking Day event, the Homer, Alaska Field Office demonstrated a ground water flow model to Brownie Troop 260 in Homer.
 

 
Tennessee

Secretary Ed Schafer (right) chats with NRCS programmer Jennifer Schukar at the NRCS booth NRCS Participates at Commodity Classic
The 2008 Commodity Classic held in Nashville, Tennessee, last week drew record-breaking numbers of show-goers.  NRCS attracted scores of attendees to its booth that featured two Save Energy Save Money exhibits, banner stands, computers, and large plasma screen monitors for hands-on demonstrations of the NRCS on-line energy-saver tools and the Web Soil Survey. 

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from left -- NRCS Water Resources Division Branch Chief Gus Jordan, Chief Lancaster, Tom Perrin, and Deputy Chief for Programs Tom Christensen -- NRCS photo/click to enlargeTom Perrin Recognized for Service at NHQ
Ohio NRCS Assistant State Conservationist for Programs Tom Perrin was recognized by Chief Arlen Lancaster for his outstanding service as acting Emergency Watershed Protection Program Manager. The Chief presented Tom with a plaque at a special ceremony in Washington this week (from left, NRCS Water Resources Division Branch Chief Gus Jordan, Chief Lancaster, Tom Perrin, and Deputy Chief for Programs Tom Christensen -- NRCS photo/click to enlarge).

Environmental Stewardship Award winners, the Stone Family of Yolo County, California. Known nationwide as big-picture conservationists, the Stones improve every resource on their 7,500-acre operation, enhancing the resource base and providing social benefits across two watersheds.California’s Stone Family Honored with National Environmental Stewardship Award
The Stone Family of Yolo County, California, is the national winner of the Environmental Stewardship Award Program. The Stones, known for preserving land while increasing productivity, preserve the natural beauty and wildlife of their ranch, practice innovative resource management, while raising one of the top commercial herds of Angus cattle in California.
 


North Dakota State Conservationist J.R. Flores (center) receives the Manager Workforce Diversity Award from NRCS Associate Chief Dana York and NRCS National Civil Rights Chair Joyce Swartzendruber.2007 National Civil Rights Awards
North Dakota State Conservationist J.R. Flores (center) receives the Manager Workforce Diversity Award from NRCS Associate Chief Dana York and NRCS National Civil Rights Chair Joyce Swartzendruber.  J.R. was commended for his direct involvement in promoting equal opportunity and work with students. NRCS image.
 

from left, Richard Sims, State Conservationist of Idaho, Terry Cosby, State Conservationist of Ohio, AFF Senior Vice President Kathy McGlauflin, and Illinois State Conservationist Bill Gradle. NRCS image.American Forest Foundation (AFF) 2007 NRCS State Conservationist Awards
AFF recently honored three innovative NRCS State Conservationists committed to improving forest resources and building and strengthening partnerships.
 

NRCS Nebraska honored with National Earth Team Volunteer Service Award. Nebraska State Conservationist Steve Chick (center) receives National Earth Team Volunteer Service Award from NRCS Associate Chief Dana York and Legislative and Public Affairs Director Doug McKalip. For the past 8 years, 98 percent of NRCS Nebraska offices have used Earth Team volunteers. National Earth Team Awards
The National Association of Conservation Districts national meeting was the setting for the presentation of the national NRCS Earth Team awards.

 

Montana farmer Milo L. “Buzz” MattelinMontana Farmer Honored with First Annual NACD/NRCS Olin Sims Conservation Leadership Award
Montana farmer Milo L. “Buzz” Mattelin has received the 1st Annual NACD/NRCS Olin Sims Conservation Leadership Award for his leadership and service in conserving natural resources on privately owned land.
 

 

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Conservation Our Purpose. Our Passion. campaign logoNRCS Rolls Out New Conservation…Our Purpose. Our Passion.  National Campaign
On a daily basis, NRCS employees, landowners and partners work together in a relationship of trust and cooperation that engenders success, leading to more productive lands and a healthier environment for all Americans. When farmers and ranchers talk about the work they’ve done on their land, they’re telling NRCS’ story, too. Conservation…Our Purpose. Our Passion. is designed to gain recognition for all the ways cooperative conservation supports our national priorities of cleaner air and water, improved soils and increased wildlife habitat. To learn more, follow the links below.

Links...
 The following require Windows Media Player logoWindows Media Player. 
Conservation...Our Purpose. Our Passion. feature page with the campaign video and success stories that spotlight landowners from every state who reached their conservation goals with the help of NRCS conservation technical assistance and other programs.

NACD and NRCS - A Shared Passion for Conservation (A speech delivered by NRCS Chief Arlen Lancaster to the National Association of Conservation Districts' Annual Meeting, February 12, 2008)

2008 Women's History Month posterMarch  2008 Is Women's History Month
The theme of this year's Women's History Month is Women’s Art: Women’s Vision.  The history of women and art is quintessential women’s history. It is the story of amazing women’s accomplishments acclaimed at the time but written out of history. Join us in ensuring that their accomplishments are never forgotten.
 


 

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100 native forage grasses in 11 southern StatesNative Warm Season Grass Information Posted in National Plant Data Center Webpage
The Agricultural Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC), working with the National Plant Data Center (NPDC) has posted a 1971 NRCS publication written by range conservationists Horace Leithead, Lewis Yarlett, and Thomas Shiflet entitled 100 native forage grasses in 11 southern states. 
 

 


 

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George Phibbs in the Beltsville, Maryland, Soil Survey laboratory in 196Soil Survey Laboratory
George Phibbs in the Beltsville, Maryland, Soil Survey laboratory in 1960. Laboratories assisted the Soil Survey in developing and implementing the new soil classification system. (NRCS image — click to enlarge).


NRCS This Week features a weekly historical photo and caption.  NHQ, districts, States, RC&D councils, and all other NRCS entities are invited to submit a historical photo of activities or individuals who have worked or are working for the agency along with a caption. 

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