Initiatives

Opportunities Available:

• College Internship
• Youth & College Ambassadors
• Mentorships
• Conservation Camps
• STEM Labs
• Earth Day Exhibition
• Conservation Curriculum

The National Association encourages and supports locally led training on Farm Bill programs that support conservation activities. Through a partnership with NRCS, the National Association has provided funding to local councils to assist farmers, ranchers, and other landowners in understanding NRCS farm bill requirements. Training is accomplished through workshops and participation in targeted commodity meetings and events, using on-line resources, and via direct on-the-farm assistance with the conservation partnership. Multiple councils are providing support to historically underserved and socio-economically disadvantaged populations with the goal of increasing their participation in conservation programs.

The National Association of RC&D Councils is excited to share a publication featuring success stories and best practices for engaging youth in our work.  The “Youth and Community Engagement Toolkit” identifies key strategies for Councils seeking to engage diverse communities and develop youth leaders and conservation makers of tomorrow.  

Preview or download the Youth and Community Engagement Toolkit.

RC&D Councils in USDA NRCS Designated StrikeForce regions have been working to increase NRCS outreach to historically underserved farmers and landowners.  

RC&D Councils have developed radio shows that are relevant and meet the needs of underserved farmers and landowners using USDA program information and the local RC&D Council’s understanding of the customer.  These radio shows are to inform underserved farmers and landowners on how to access USDA conservation assistance through the USDA StrikeForce for Rural Growth and Opportunity Initiative to address their natural resource concerns.  

At this link, you can listen to the radio shows produced by the RC&D Councils.