WASHINGTON – Today, the National Conservation Foundation (NCF) formally announced names of the seven participants selected to participate in the second cohort of the Next Generation Leadership Institute (NGLI).
NGLI was formally launched in August of 2019 as a year-long program to advance conservation leadership. Created in response to a high demand for leadership instruction for conservation district leaders facing the challenges of a changing world, NGLI was established to provide conservation professionals with the tools to become national leaders through personal, civic, and organizational leadership development. The 2022 NGLI cohort participants were selected through a competitive national application process. This will be the second cohort for the program since its launch in 2019. The 2022 cohort participants include:
NGLI participants will meet for four training sessions throughout the year, with a capstone session at the 2023 National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) Annual Meeting in New Orleans. NGLI’s curriculum will equip leaders with skills and resources related to personal, civic, and organizational leadership development. This comprehensive training will help participants prepare to meet the future needs of natural resources management, helping them to increase their capacity to navigate and manage complex conservation challenges – both current and future – at the national level. The cohort will convene for their first session at the 2022 NACD Annual Meeting from February 12-16, 2021 in Orlando, FL. Visit the NCF website for more information about the 2022 cohort. About National Conservation Foundation (NCF) The mission of the National Conservation Foundation (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. Visit the NCF website to learn more. CONTACT: Rebecca Cisco | 202.595.9052 [email protected]
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Congratulations to this year’s photo contest winners! Kris Kiernan's "Jackfruit Gone Wild" was our 1st place overall winner. Kris will receive a $100 prize! The winner for the category Conservation in Action goes to Ann Miles for her photo “Bioswale Planting”. Finally, the category winner for Close-Up Conservation goes to Henry O’Donoughue for his photo of “Liatris”. Each of our winners were entered in the National Association of Conservation District’s contest, which will be decided on next month. ![]() Fred B. Miller, Jr. Regional Envirothon Thursday, March 3, 8:00 AM – 12:45 PM at Tree Hill Nature Center The Envirothon competition is open to students from the 9th to 12th grade. Five students compete as a team and answer questions about forestry, soils, aquatics, wildlife, and a current issue. The 2022 Envirothon current environmental issue is "Waste to Resources". The winners of the local competitions compete at the Florida Envirothon, and the state winner competes at the National Envirothon. Teaching resources from our national partners will be available in the coming weeks. Consider following our Envirothon Facebook page for updates. We will also make the information available on our website. We may have Envirothon resource professionals available to conduct workshops prior to the competition. Details to come. Resources: 2022 Envirothon Brochure Regional Envirothon Website Envirothon Registration Form Contact: Joyce Miller, Coordinator at [email protected] or 410-688-2365 Allen L. Moore at [email protected] or 904-465-0678 Jacksonville, FL — In 2021, the Duval Soil and Water Conservation District introduced the Start Farming Mentorship program to support new farmers by providing tours of local farm operations and onsite workshops about sustainable practices, including water conservation, composting and permaculture. The year-long program, made possible by a $2,500 grant award from the National Association of Conservation Districts and volunteer mentors, selected 15 applicants to explore farming opportunities in Duval County.
“In an urban district like ours, new farmers often have not grown up on the farm, so it is essential that they have mentors to provide advice and guidance,” said Jennifer Casey, Chair. “Beginning farmers will now have the opportunity to explore diverse farm operations and learn how sustainable regenerative solutions like composting, permaculture and rainwater catchment can help them overcome some of the challenges of starting a farming endeavor.” Over the course of the year, participants took guided tours of four farms, from an urban farm in a food dessert to a rural commercial operation. In addition, each received a Sustainable Solutions Kit valued at over $150 which included a rain barrel for water conservation, a compost kit, and seed to attract beneficial pollinators. “What I’ve found is there is no substitute for first-hand experience and seeing things with your own eyes," says participant Don DeStephano. "I read a lot on the internet, but seeing composting in action and no till gardening and farming, and learning about programs I wasn’t aware of…I’m very grateful and pleased I was a part of it.” Beyond the training, participants had the opportunity to network with the local agricultural community and with agency personnel offering conservation funding assistance to growers and producers. About Duval Soil and Water Conservation District: Duval Soil and Water Conservation District promotes the responsible management and conservation of natural resources by delivering conservation technology and education to local landowners and users and by promoting the wise use of land and best management practices that will conserve, improve and sustain the natural resources of Duval County. The Duval Soil and Water Conservation District was proud to host our 5th annual Start Farming Panel Discussion and Market on December 1st at the Duval County Agricultural Extension Office. Each year the event features panelists of local farmers and agency representatives that educate the community on ways in which they can get involved in farming. This year the panel discussion included Charles Goodin of Johnny Appleseed Organic, Mika Hardison of The Herban Bee, Kimberly Ruessler of Lola Farms and Dr. Stephen Jennewein who is the UF/IFAS Small Farms Extension Agent.
We also heard from participants in our Start Farming Mentorship program and celebrated their accomplishments this year. The event also featured a holiday market where attendees were able to purchase locally grown produce and plants as well as holiday gift items from local makers and artisans. Guests enjoyed an amazing dinner from Chancho King which featured locally-sourced ingredients from Lola Farms and dessert from The Spoonful Bakery. Thank you to our presenting sponsor Cascade Outdoor Design and to our supporting sponsors including NativeJax, Apple Rabbit Compost, Edible Northeast Florida, Riverside Arts Market, and the St. Johns County Soil and Water Conservation District. This event is offered annually as a free service to our citizens and our agricultural community thanks to our generous sponsors! |
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