Husker Harvest Days includes Free Trees and Water Testing

LINCOLN, Nebraska – Questions about trees, erosion, flood control or water quality? Stop in to visit Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts during Husker Harvest Days Sept. 12-14.

“This is a great opportunity for producers to meet with conservation agencies all in one place and learn more about cost-share programs that can benefit their operation and Nebraska’s natural resources,” said Dr. Orval Gigstad, president of the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD).

Located in the Natural Resources Hub (39E), Nebraska’s NRDs are stationed with various organizations that offer conservation assistance, cost-share opportunities and producer programs. Attendees can visit with the Nebraska Forest Service, U.S. Forest Service’s Bessey Nursery, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA), Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program, the Rainwater Basin Joint Venture, The Nature Conservancy, and Central Platte NRD’s Native Prairie and Pollination Awareness Program.

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy Water Well Standards Program will also be on site to provide free water testing and screen for nitrates in minutes. Private well owners should bring a cup-size sample of water in a clean container.

In addition, the Natural Resources Districts will announce three individuals to induct into the NRD Hall of Fame during a press conference at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13, on the Hospitality Tent Stage (SE Quadrant, #33). These Hall of Fame inductees have made significant contributions to protect our state’s natural resources through the NRDs. Hall of Fame categories include:

• Natural Resources District Board Member

• Natural Resources District Employee

• Natural Resources District Supporter

During the three-day event, Husker Harvest attendees also will receive a free blue spruce tree seedling from the NRD Conservation Tree Program. All 23 Nebraska NRDs administer tree planting programs to provide trees and shrubs for local landowners. Each district varies, but possible services include: planting, weed barrier installation or weed control, and drip irrigation. Free prairie grass seed will also be available as part of the Native Prairie and Pollinator Awareness Project.

For more information on the Conservation Tree Program and other conservation resources, visit www.nrdnet.org.

The Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD), the trade association for Nebraska's 23 Natural Resources Districts (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. Learn more about Nebraska’s NRDs at www.nrdnet.org.