Help offset your carbon emissions this year by picking up a free Colorado blue spruce from the Natural Resources District building at Lot 39E.

Each year, Nebraska’s NRDs help landowners plant more than a million trees throughout the state as part of the Conservation Tree Program. There are 23 NRDs in Nebraska that provide trees and shrubs for local landowners. Each district varies, but possible services include:

However, you won’t just leave Husker Harvest Days with a tree. Here are a few other things you will find in the Natural Resources District building:

New app. Producer Connect lets producers access their crop reporting data and provides fertilizer recommendations based on yield goals. The app’s goal is to assist ag producers to optimize inputs, enhance agricultural profitability, improve water quality and be more efficient with irrigation.

Free seed. As part of the Native Prairie and Pollinator Awareness Project, free prairie grass seed will be available.

Cost-share consideration. Specialists will be available for conservation assistance, cost-share opportunities and producer programs.

Water test. Bring a sample of your well water for a free nitrate screening. The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy Water Well Standards Program will conduct on-site testing. Private well owners should bring a cup-size sample of water in a clean container to utilize these services.

NRD Hall of Famers announced

Join the Natural Resources Districts as they introduce the 2023 NRD Hall of Fame
inductees. The event will take place on the Nebraska Farmer Hospitality Tent Stage at 2 p.m. Sept. 13. The public and media are invited to attend and celebrate the honorees.

Each year, the NRDs induct three individuals into the NRD Hall of Fame for their contributions to protect the state’s natural resources. Current NRD managers and directors vote for nominated candidates. Hall of Fame categories include board member, employee and supporter.

The NRD works with individual districts to protect lives, property and the future of Nebraska’s natural resources. NRDs are unique to Nebraska, and act as local government entities with broad responsibilities to protect Nebraska’s natural resources. Major Nebraska river basins form the boundaries of the 23 NRDs, enabling districts to respond to local conservation and resource management needs. Visit nrdnet.org.