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.

Kansas Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

Know a Kansas farmer, rancher or forestland owner who goes above and beyond in the care and management of natural resources? Nominate them for the 2022 Kansas 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 Kansas, the $10,000 award is presented with Kansas Association of Conservation Districts, and the Ranchland Trust of Kansas.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes those 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.

New Mexico Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

Know a New Mexico farmer, rancher of forestland owner who goes above and beyond in the care and management of natural resources? Nominate them for the 2022 New Mexico 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 New Mexico, the award is presented with New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts, Quivira Coalition, and New Mexico Coalition to Enhance Working Lands (NMCEWL).

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

Nominations and applications for the New Mexico Leopold Conservation Award are now being accepted through June 30, 2022. The application can be found at www.sandcountyfoundation.org/ApplyLCA.

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.

Oklahoma Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

Know an Oklahoma rancher, farmer or forestland owner who goes above and beyond in the care and management of natural resources? Nominate them for the 2022 Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma the $10,000 award is presented with 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.

Nominations may be submitted on behalf of a landowner, or landowners may apply themselves. Applications are reviewed by an independent panel of agricultural and conservation leaders. The application can be found at www.sandcountyfoundation.org/ApplyLCA.

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.

Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

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

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust, present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 23 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In Pennsylvania, the $10,000 award is presented with state partners: The Heinz Endowments and Pennsylvania Farm Bureau.

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

New England Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

Know a farmer or forestland owner who goes above and beyond in their care and management of natural resources? Nominate them for the 2022 New England Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 23 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In New England the $10,000 award is presented with, New England Forestry Foundation and Wildlands Woodlands Farmlands & Communities.

Nominations may be submitted on behalf of a landowner in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Landowners may also nominate themselves. The application can be found at www.sandcountyfoundation.org/ApplyLCA.

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.

Maryland Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

Know a Maryland farmer or forestland owner who goes above and beyond in the care and management of natural resources? Nominate them for the 2022 Maryland Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to farmers, ranchers and forestland owners in 23 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In Maryland, the award is presented with state partners: Keith Campbell Foundation for the Environment, Maryland Association of Conservation Districts, and Maryland Farm Bureau Inc.

Owners of farm and forestland in Maryland may apply for the award themselves, or be nominated. The application deadline is August 1, 2022.

California Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

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

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 23 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In California the $10,000 award is presented with state partners: Sustainable Conservation and California Farm Bureau Federation.

Nominations may be submitted on behalf of a landowner, or landowners may nominate themselves. Applications are reviewed by an independent panel of agricultural and conservation leaders. The application can be found at www.sandcountyfoundation.org/ApplyLCA.

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.

Utah Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

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

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 23 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In Utah, the $10,000 award is presented with Utah Farm Bureau Federation, Western AgCredit and Utah Cattlemen’s Association.

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.

Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

Know a Wisconsin farmer or forestland owner who goes above and beyond in the care and management of natural resources? Nominate them for the 2022 Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor, American Farmland Trust, present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 23 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In Wisconsin the $10,000 award is presented annually with Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation and Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.

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.