Spring is in the air! Everywhere I look, Louisiana is starting to look lush. It's such a stark contrast with the drought conditions that plagued us last year. As you're enjoying this mild weather and abundant rain, we hope you'll consider implementing more conservation practices in your operation. Practicing conservation may even make your operation more resilient and better able to handle the challenges of extreme conditions like the drought this past summer. At NRCS, we offer technical and financial assistance to further your conservation efforts while also improving your operation. Our focus continues to be on Helping People Help the Land.
Call or stop by your local service center to discuss your resource concerns and how we can help you address them.
Until next month…
Mellowdee Tibbs
|
On March 27, FSA and NRCS hosted a meet and greet at the Urban Ag office in New Orleans for Mayor LaToya Cantrell. The event provided the opportunity to inform the mayor about the programs and services available to New Orleans residents to promote agricultural operations and voluntary conservation within the city and the surrounding areas. |
|
 |
 LA NRCS supports Louisiana Women in Agriculture through an agreement that provides funding for and participation in the annual conference. NRCS' Candis Voorhies helped welcome attendees to the conference and highlighted the importance of women in agriculture and Alexandria Medine presented information about NRCS programs and assistance during a breakout session. NRCS along with other USDA agencies and Farmer Veteran Coalition regional coordinator, Richard Creppel, offered information and education about available programs and services through interactions at booths in the exposition hall during the conference.
 |
|
NRCS attended the Jubilee Justice Farmers' Market in Alexandria on March 16th. In addition to the abundance of fresh produce for purchase, there was also free food and entertainment. For more information about Jubilee Justice and future events please visit: www.jubileejustice.org. |
NRCS, in cooperation with Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry partners, set up and judged the Soils station at the Envirothon competition on March 6th at the LSU Ag Center Botanic Gardens. The event was filled with excitement and enthusiasm as students in grades 6-12 showcased their knowledge of environmental science and natural resource management. Teams participated in a variety of training sessions, oral presentations, and hands-on demonstrations focusing on five natural resource areas: soils and land use, aquatic resources, forestry, wildlife, and a current environmental issue. The 2024 theme for the event was Renewable Energy for a Sustainable Future. It was inspiring to see the students' passion for these issues and dedication to finding solutions for a sustainable future. The atmosphere was filled with learning, critical thinking, and teamwork, as students engaged in the competition.
 |
|
|
March is Women's History Month and NRCS is proud to celebrate the many ways in which women have enriched agriculture and our agency. The 2024 Women’s History Month theme, "Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion," highlights the remarkable individuals across the nation who tirelessly champion the eradication of bias and discrimination from our lives and institutions.
We accept applications for our programs year-round. If you apply after announced program sign up dates, NRCS will automatically consider your application during future funding cycles. Discover more about our programs here: Louisiana | Natural Resources Conservation Service (usda.gov)
An important message for all applicants: PLEASE READ YOUR MAIL
If you've applied for any NRCS programs, you've probably received or will be receiving letters from NRCS with information about your application. Often, these letters request additional information or action. If you have any questions, please contact your local office.
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation is accepting proposals for the 2024 Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley Restoration Fund. Please visit the link below for details about this funding opportunity.
https://www.nfwf.org/sites/default/files/2024-02/2024_lower_ms_rfp_final.pdf
Funding priorities include restoring forests, wetlands, implementing conservation practices, promoting aquatic connectivity, and supporting outreach to private landowners.
Grants range from $150,000 to $750,000.
Deadline for proposals are due to NFWF through April 25, 2024.
For more information or questions about this RFP, please contact:
Jon Scott
Program Director, Southern
Forests
202-595-2609
jonathan.scott@nfwf.org
Zack Bernstein
Program Manager, Southern
Forests
202-595-2433
zachary.bernstein@nfwf.org
Sarah Vest
Program Coordinator, Regional
Programs
202-595-2602
sarah.vest@nfwf.org
 https://docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/1dCD8lF3v-hPkM9U9wVMV7aXjbHoAarWP/copy?pli=1
 https://ducksunlimited.myeventscenter.com/event/Acadiana-Area-Kids-For-Conservation-78091
 https://www.louisianaglci.org/events-1/sheep-pasture-walk
Enjoy some our photos that capture the beauty, diversity, and agricultural bounty of Louisiana (and us in action)!
|
