NACD Annual Meeting 2025

Indy Urban Acres (IUA) is a non- profit urban farm that harvests 60,000 pounds of produce annually in Indianapolis, IN and distributes all of its produce to local community partners that serve individuals experiencing food insecurity. IUA serves 250 families in need through its veggie box program and engages over 1000 volunteers annually. Come learn about the conservation partnership between IUA and Marion County SWCD that has implemented a variety of soil health practices on the farm.

As part of the ACTION Climate-Smart Commodities Partnership project being led by OpenTEAM, CTIC, Houston Engineering and The Nature Conservancy are leading development of the CTIC Conservation Connector, a new web app whose initial purpose is to allow farmers, ranchers, landowners and trusted advisors find conservation and climate-smart ag programs available to them, as well as service providers who can assist with the planning, implementation, and verification of incentivized practices.

Hear two exciting presentations during this session!

1. Capacity Through Partnerships in Times of Need - David and I will share the successes of the work performed through our agreement. We will highlight the steps taken to get the agreement in place, accomplishments and services provided to citizens and local governments. 
2. The Emergency Watershed Protection Program in East Providence: A Case Study In Partnership - Rhode Island USDA NRCS is a nationwide leader in using Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) funding to conserve land and assist residents in the state's increasing number of flood prone areas. In this case study, learn how USDA NRCS, Rhode Island Association of Conservation Districts, and Northern Rhode Island Conservation District worked together with the City of East Providence and other stakeholders to bring relief to residents of a flood prone neighborhood along the Runnins River.