Michael Thompson Receives Kansas Leopold Conservation Award

Michael Thompson of Almena has been selected as the recipient of the 2022 Kansas Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes farmers, ranchers and forestland owners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife resources in their care.

In Kansas the award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust, with state partners: Kansas Association of Conservation Districts and the Ranchland Trust of Kansas.

Thompson grows crops and raises beef cattle at Thompson Farm and Ranch in Norton County with his father Richard, and brother Brian. He’s a vocal advocate for soil stewardship among other farmers and ranchers. He was announced as the recipient of the award at the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts’ 78^th Annual Convention in Wichita, and receives $10,000 and a crystal award for being selected.

Sand County Foundation Receives Grant to Incentivize Conservation on Wisconsin Farms

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has awarded a grant to Sand County Foundation to provide financial incentives for farmers who reduce erosion and protect water quality.

The NRCS Conservation Innovation Grant supports Sand County Foundation’s ongoing work to accelerate the adoption of soil health management on farmland. Sand County Foundation is a national non-profit that works at the intersection of agriculture and environmental improvement.

The three-year grant will be used to apply performance-based conservation planning to incentivize farmers and farmland owners in eastern and central Wisconsin who implement a management change that results in a measurable environmental improvement on their farms.

Myrin Ranch Receives Utah Leopold Conservation Award

Myrin Ranch of Altamont has been selected as the recipient of the 2022 Utah Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious award recognizes farmers, ranchers and forestland owners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat management on private, working land.

Alarik and Beth Myrin and their children Rik, Deborah, and Nils (and their families) manage about 35,000 acres, between private land and federal grazing permits. The Myrin family has ranched in Duchesne County since 1945, and have long relied on conservation to achieve efficiency.

The Myrin family was presented with $10,000 and a crystal award at the Utah Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Meeting in Provo.

Wheel-View Farm Receives New England Leopold Conservation Award

Wheel-View Farm of Shelburne, Massachusetts has been selected as the recipient of the 2022 New England Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious award recognizes those who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife resources in their care. John and Carolyn Wheeler, the owners and operators of Wheel-View Farm, receive $10,000 and a crystal award for being selected.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 24 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In New England the award is presented with New England Forestry Foundation; Wildlands, Woodlands, Farmlands & Communities; and American Farmland Trust-New England.

Joe and Christy Tomandl Receive Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award

Joe and Christy Tomandl of Medford have been selected as the recipients of the 2022 Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes farmers and forestland owners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat management on private, working land. In Wisconsin the $10,000 award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, American Farmland Trust, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, and Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.

Dairy farmers Joe and Christy Tomandl were revealed as this year’s award recipient at the November 17 meeting of the Board of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection in Madison. They receive $10,000 and a crystal award for being selected.

Sid Goodloe Receives New Mexico Leopold Conservation Award

Sid Goodloe of Capitan has been selected as the recipient of the New Mexico Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Goodloe has blazed his own trail at Carrizo Valley Ranch for more than six decades, and was practicing “regenerative ranching” before the phrase was coined. He was presented with the $10,000 award at the New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts’ conference in Albuquerque.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious award recognizes farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water, and wildlife habitat management on private, working lands.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 24 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In New Mexico, the award is presented with New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts, Quivira Coalition and New Mexico Coalition to Enhance Working Lands.

Nebraska Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

Know a Nebraska rancher, farmer or forestland owner who goes above and beyond in the stewardship of natural resources? Nominate them for the 2023 Nebraska Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 24 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In Nebraska, the $10,000 award is presented with Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska (AFAN), Cargill and the Nebraska Environmental Trust.

Nominations may be submitted on behalf of a landowner, or landowners may nominate themselves. The application can be found at www.sandcountyfoundation.org/ApplyLCA.

Colorado Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

Nominations are now being accepted for the Leopold Conservation Award^® honoring agricultural landowners in Colorado who demonstrate outstanding stewardship and management of natural resources.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 24 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In Colorado, the $10,000 award is presented with the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, Gates Family Foundation, American AgCredit, CoBank, Farm Credit of Southern Colorado, and Premier Farm Credit.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious award recognizes landowners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat management on private, working land. In his influential 1949 book, “A Sand County Almanac,” Leopold called for an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

Nominations may be submitted on behalf of a landowner, or landowners may nominate themselves. The application can be found at www.sandcountyfoundation.org/ApplyLCA.

Montana Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Applicants

Know a Montana rancher, farmer or forestland owner who goes above and beyond in the stewardship and management of natural resources? Nominate them for the 2023 Montana Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 24 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In Montana, the $10,000 award is presented with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, and the Montana Rangeland Resources Committee.

The deadline to apply is March 15, 2023.

Maryland Leopold Conservation Award Finalists Selected

Three finalists have been selected for the 2022 Maryland Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious award recognizes farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water, and wildlife habitat management on private, working lands.

In Maryland, the Leopold Conservation Award is presented by Sand County Foundation with state partners Keith Campbell Foundation for the Environment, Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts, and Maryland Farm Bureau Inc. Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award in 24 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation.

The finalists are from Caroline, Carroll, and Cecil counties.

Finalists Selected for 2022 California Leopold Conservation Award

Two finalists have been selected for the 2022 California Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious award recognizes those who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife resources in their care.

In California, Sand County Foundation presents the award with American Farmland Trust, and state partners: Sustainable Conservation and the California Farm Bureau Federation.

The finalists are from Sonoma and Tuolumne counties.

Utah Leopold Conservation Award Finalists Selected

Three finalists have been selected for the 2022 Utah Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious award recognizes farmers, ranchers and forestland owners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat management on private, working land.

In Utah the award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, American Farmland Trust, Utah Farm Bureau Federation, Western AgCredit and Utah Cattlemen’s Association.

The finalists are from Duchesne, San Juan, and Tooele counties.

Finalists Selected for Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award

Three finalists have been selected for the 2022 Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious award recognizes farmers, ranchers and forestland owners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat resources in their care.

In Pennsylvania, the $10,000 award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, American Farmland Trust, The Heinz Endowments, Horizon Farm Credit, and Pennsylvania Farm Bureau.

The finalists are from Clinton, Crawford and York counties.

Finalists Selected for Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award

Four finalists have been selected for the 2022 Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious award recognizes farmers and forestland owners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water, and wildlife habitat in their care.

In Wisconsin the $10,000 award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, American Farmland Trust, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation and Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.

The finalists are from Alma, Conover, Medford, and Seymour.

Finalists for Missouri Leopold Conservation Award Selected

Four finalists have been selected for the prestigious 2022 Missouri Leopold Conservation Award^®. Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes farmers, ranchers and forestland owners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat in their care.

In Missouri, the $10,000 award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, American Farmland Trust, Missouri Farmers Care Foundation, the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, the Missouri Corn Merchandising Council and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

Finalists Selected for New England Leopold Conservation Award

Three finalists have been selected for the 2022 New England Leopold Conservation Award.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious award recognizes landowners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife resources in their care.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 24 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In New England the $10,000 award is presented with New England Forestry Foundation; Wildlands, Woodlands, Farmlands & Communities; and American Farmland Trust-New England.

Pollinator Grants Offered to High Schools

Sand County Foundation is now accepting applications from high school teachers for pollinator habitat grants.

This competitive grant program gives Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin high school students hands-on experience growing native wildflowers and establishing habitat for imperiled insect pollinators and monarch butterflies.

Successful applications will receive prairie seeds and seedlings, a consultation, and $1,000 to support project expenses. The deadline to apply is November 18, 2022. To apply, visit www.sandcountyfoundation.org/SchoolGrants.

Nita Vail Joins Sand County Foundation Board of Directors

Nita Vail, a founding member and former CEO of the California Rangeland Trust, has joined the board of directors of the Sand County Foundation, a national nonprofit organization working at the intersection of agriculture and environmental improvement.

Vail is Principal at Vail Ranch Consulting Group and a land broker with California Outdoor Properties. She is a fourth-generation rancher brought up in the Vail & Vickers ranching tradition on Santa Rosa Island.

Barney Creek Livestock Selected for Montana Leopold Conservation Award

Barney Creek Livestock of Livingston in Park County is the 2022 recipient of the Montana Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious award recognizes farmers, ranchers and forestland owners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat management on private, working land.

Sand County Foundation and American Farmland Trust present the award in Montana with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, and the Rangeland Resources Committee.

As owners of Barney Creek Livestock, Pete and Meagan Lannan are cattle ranchers and land managers who are showing others how conservation practices can heal landscapes. The Lannans receive $10,000 and a crystal award for being selected.

Finalists Selected for Iowa Leopold Conservation Award

Three finalists have been selected for the prestigious 2022 Iowa Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes farmers, ranchers and forestland owners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat in their care.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust annually present the Leopold Conservation Award to farmers, ranchers and forestland owners in 24 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In Iowa, the award is presented with state partners: Conservation Districts of Iowa, Farmers National Company, and Practical Farmers of Iowa.

The 2022 finalists are from Audubon, Clarinda and West Union.

Nikki D’Adamo-Damery Joins Sand County Foundation Team

Sand County Foundation has named Nikki D’Adamo-Damery its Conservation Outreach and Equity Director.

Sand County Foundation, based in Wisconsin, is a national non-profit that works at the intersection of agriculture and environmental improvement with farmers, ranchers, forestland owners and other land managers.

D’Adamo-Damery will lead Sand County Foundation’s work with historically underserved farmers and ranchers, primarily through its Land Ethic Mentorship program.

Three Finalists Selected for New Mexico Leopold Conservation Award

Three finalists have been selected for the 2022 New Mexico Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious award recognizes farmers, ranchers, forestland owners, and other landowners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water, and wildlife resources in their care.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 24 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In New Mexico, the award is presented with New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts, Quivira Coalition and New Mexico Coalition to Enhance Working Lands.

The New Mexico Leopold Conservation Award will be presented this fall. The award recipient will receive $10,000 and a crystal award.

Greenfield Farms Selected for New York AEM-Leopold Conservation Award

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball and Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos joined the Sand County Foundation to announce that Greenfield Farms of Skaneateles has been selected for the 2022 New York AEM-Leopold Conservation Award. The distinguished award honors a farm for its extraordinary efforts to promote and protect the environment through the preservation of soil and water quality while ensuring farm viability for future generations.

Spring Valley Cattle Selected for North Dakota Leopold Conservation Award

Spring Valley Cattle of Glen Ullin is the recipient of the 2022 North Dakota Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious award recognizes private landowners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife resources in their care.

In North Dakota, Sand County Foundation presents the award with national sponsor American Farmland Trust, and state partners: North Dakota Grazing Lands Coalition, North Dakota Association of Soil Conservation Districts and the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association.

Lance Gartner, a cattle rancher from Morton County who owns Spring Valley Cattle, will be presented with $10,000 and a crystal award for being selected during the North Dakota Association of Soil Conservation Districts’ Annual Convention in November.

EPIC Applauds EPA Guidance Urging Communities to Inventory and Replace Toxic Lead Pipes ‘As Soon as Possible’

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released its Guidance for Developing and Maintaining a Service Line Inventory to support water systems with their efforts to develop inventories and to provide states with information for oversight and reporting to EPA.

Check out the reaction from our colleagues at the Environmental Policy Innovation Center.

Kansas Leopold Conservation Award Finalists Selected

Four finalists have been selected for the 2022 Kansas Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious award recognizes farmers, ranchers, forestland owners, and other landowners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife resources in their care.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 24 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In Kansas the award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, American Farmland Trust, Kansas Association of Conservation Districts and Ranchland Trust of Kansas.

Reddick Farms Receives Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award

Reddick Farms of Bardwell is the recipient of the 2022 Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award^®.

The prestigious award, given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, recognizes extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation and management of natural resources by American farmers, ranchers and forestland owner in 24 states.

In Kentucky, the $10,000 award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, national sponsor American Farmland Trust, and state partners: Kentucky Agricultural Council, and the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts.

Brad Reddick, who received $10,000 and a crystal award for being selected, accepted the award at the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts’ Annual Convention in Bowling Green.

Reddick implemented a rotational grazing program and other conservation practices to reduce soil erosion and improve water quality at his crop and beef cattle farm in Carlisle County.

Four Finalists Selected for New York AEM-Leopold Conservation Award

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball has announced that four finalists have been selected for New York’s Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM)-Leopold Conservation Award. New York’s longstanding AEM Award partnered with the nationally recognized Leopold Conservation Award^® program in 2020 to honor a farm and its nominating Soil and Water Conservation District for their efforts to promote and protect the environment through the preservation of soil and water quality while helping to ensure farm viability for future generations.

South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

Nominations and applications are now being accepted for the 2023 South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award^®.

The $10,000 award honors ranchers, farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 24 states. In South Dakota, the award is presented with the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association and the South Dakota Grassland Coalition.

Briana Schnelle Joins Sand County Foundation’s Ag Research Team

Sand County Foundation has named Briana Schnelle its Agricultural Conservation Specialist.

“Briana’s applied experience working directly with ranchers to improve soil health, grazing management and wildlife habitat will be an asset to our agricultural team,” said Dr. Heidi Peterson, Sand County Foundation Vice President of Agricultural Research and Conservation. “Her knowledge will be integral for establishing rangeland demonstration sites in the West.”

Lynn Scarlett Joins Sand County Foundation Board of Directors

Lynn Scarlett, who retired in 2021 as Chief External Affairs Officer at The Nature Conservancy, has joined the board of directors of the Sand County Foundation, a national nonprofit organization working at the intersection of agriculture and environmental improvement.

Sand County Foundation Successfully Completes First Ever Capital Campaign

Multi-year Fundraising Initiative Capped off by $1 Million Gift

Sand County Foundation has successfully completed its first-ever comprehensive fundraising campaign.

The five-year Campaign for Conservation raised more than $16 million, exceeding the initial $10 million goal of the Madison-based nonprofit organization working at the intersection of agriculture and environmental improvement.

A $1 million gift was completed at the end of the campaign by Ed Warner and Jackie Erickson of Fort Collins, Colorado. Warner, who chaired the campaign, is a geologist and noted philanthropist who has served on the Sand County Foundation Board of Directors since 2002.

John Bunker Sands Wetland Center Receives Texas Leopold Conservation Award

The John Bunker Sands Wetland Center is the recipient of the 2022 Texas Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes farmers, ranchers and forestland owners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat management on private, working land.

In Texas, the award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation and national sponsor, American Farmland Trust, in partnership with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Lone Star Land Steward Awards program.

The state’s highest honor for private land conservation and its $10,000 award will be presented to John DeFillipo, John Bunker Sands Wetland Center Director, representatives of The Rosewood Corporation, North Texas Municipal Water District, and Bunker’s family at the Lone Star Steward Awards banquet on May 25.

Applications Being Accepted for 2022 New York AEM Leopold Conservation Award

Applications are open for New York State’s 2022 Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) Leopold Conservation Award.

Sand County Foundation presents the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 24 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In New York the $10,000 award is presented annually with national sponsor American Farmland Trust, and state partners: New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, and Cornell Cooperative Extension.

The deadline to apply has been moved to May 27, 2022.

Three Finalists Selected for Montana Leopold Conservation Award

Three finalists have been selected for the prestigious Montana Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat management on private, working land.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 24 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In Montana, the $10,000 award is presented with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, and the Rangeland Resources Committee.

The finalists are from Judith Basin, Madison, and Park counties.

Three Finalists Selected for Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award

Three finalists have been selected for the 2022 Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious award recognizes farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water, and wildlife habitat management on private, working lands.

In Kentucky, the $10,000 award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, American Farmland Trust, Kentucky Agricultural Council, and the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts.

The finalists are from Anderson, Carlisle, and Marion counties.

Bien Ranch Receives South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award

The Bien Ranch of Veblen has been selected as the recipient of the 2022 South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist, Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes farmers, ranchers and forestland owners who inspire others with their dedication to the land, water and wildlife habitat management on private, working land.

In South Dakota, the award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, American Farmland Trust, South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association, and the South Dakota Grassland Coalition.

Bien Ranch is operated by Neil and Muriel Bien, along with Neil’s brothers Boyd and Lyle and their families. The ranch was homesteaded in 1888 by Ole Bien.

Wine Glass Ranch Receives Nebraska Leopold Conservation Award

Wine Glass Ranch of Imperial has been selected as the recipient of the 2022 Nebraska Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious award recognizes farmers, ranchers and forestland owners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat resources in their care.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 24 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In Nebraska, the $10,000 award is presented with Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska (AFAN), Cargill and the Nebraska Environmental Trust.

Logan and Brianna Pribbeno, and his parents Jeff and Connie Pribbeno, own and operate the 30,000 acres of crops, rangeland, and grazing lands at Wine Glass Ranch. The Pribbenos will be presented with the $10,000 award at the AFAN annual meeting in November.

Pankey Ranch Receives Colorado Leopold Conservation Award

Pankey Ranch has been selected as the recipient of the 2022 Colorado Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Keith and Shelley Pankey and their children raise beef cattle and hay in Moffat and Routt counties. The conservation practices that the Pankeys have implemented are improving wildlife habitat, water quality, and soil health.

The award, given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, recognizes ranchers, farmers, and forestland owners who inspire others with their voluntary conservation efforts on private, working lands.

The Pankeys will be presented with the award on June 13 at the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association’s Annual Convention in Colorado Springs.

In Colorado the award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, American Farmland Trust, Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust, Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, Gates Family Foundation, American AgCredit, CoBank, Farm Credit of Southern Colorado, and Premier Farm Credit.

Colorado Leopold Conservation Award Finalists Selected

Finalists have been selected for the prestigious 2022 Colorado Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes ranchers, farmers, and forestland owners who inspire others with their voluntary conservation efforts on private, working lands.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to landowners in 24 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation.

In Colorado, the $10,000 award is presented with the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust, Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, Gates Family Foundation, American AgCredit, CoBank, Farm Credit of Southern Colorado, and Premier Farm Credit.

Leopold Conservation Award Comes to Iowa

A prestigious award program celebrating voluntary conservation on farmland and forestland is coming to Iowa.

The Leopold Conservation Award^® recognizes agricultural landowners who inspire others with their dedication to ethical land, water and wildlife habitat management. The award is named in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold. In his influential 1949 book, “A Sand County Almanac”, Leopold called for an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust annually present the Leopold Conservation Award to farmers, ranchers and forestland owners in 24 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In Iowa, the award is presented with state partners: Conservation Districts of Iowa, Farmers National Company, and Practical Farmers of Iowa.

Owners of farm and forest land in Iowa may apply for the award themselves or be nominated by another party. The Iowa application can be found at www.sandcountyfoundation.org/ApplyLCA.

Applications will be reviewed by an independent panel of agricultural and conservation leaders. The application deadline is July 1, 2022.

National Association of Conservation Districts & Sand County Foundation Sign Cooperative Agreement

The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Sand County Foundation during the organization’s 76th Annual Meeting in Orlando, FL.

The MOU between NACD and Sand County Foundation memorializes an agreement between the organizations to collaborate on program outreach and conservation initiatives such as Sand County Foundation’s Leopold Conservation Award program and Land Ethic Mentorship for historically underserved farmers and ranchers.

Lazy KT Ranch Receives Oklahoma Leopold Conservation Award

The Lazy KT Ranch of Freedom has been selected as the recipient of the 2021 Oklahoma Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious award recognizes farmers, ranchers and forestland owners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat resources in their care.

In Oklahoma the award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, American Farmland Trust, Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, Noble Research Institute, Oklahoma Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture, ITC Great Plains, Oklahoma Conservation Commission, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Dr. Katie Blunk and her family own and operate Lazy KT Ranch. They receive $10,000 and a crystal award for being selected. The Wood County cattle ranchers will be presented with the award on February 28 at the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts’ Annual Meeting.

Missouri Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

Know a Missouri farmer, rancher or forester who goes above and beyond in the care and management of natural resources? Nominate them for the 2022 Missouri Leopold Conservation Award®.

Sand County Foundation, national sponsor American Farmland Trust, and state partners present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 23 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In Missouri, the $10,000 award is presented annually with state partners: Missouri Farmers Care Foundation, Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Brubaker Farms Receives Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award

Brubaker Farms is the 2021 recipient of the Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious award recognizes farmers, ranchers and forestland owners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat resources in their care.

In Pennsylvania, the $10,000 award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, American Farmland Trust, The Heinz Endowments, and Pennsylvania Farm Bureau.

The Brubaker family was revealed as the award’s recipients at the Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg. The dairy and poultry farmers from Mount Joy in Lancaster County receive $10,000 and a crystal award for being selected.

Schools Receive Pollinator Habitat Grants

Imperiled insect pollinators and monarch butterflies will get some help from high school students this year.

Sand County Foundation is awarding pollinator habitat grants to agriculture and science programs at 12 high schools.

Each school will receive native wildflower seeds and seedlings, a training webinar and consultation. Eight first-time grantees will receive $1,000 for the school district or FFA chapter to offset project expenses.