Dear Conservation People in Nevada,

Nevada Association of Conservation Districts held our first ever virtual Annual Meeting this week and it was a resounding success.  Not as much fun as being together in person, but still full of pertinent information and a strategic planning section to project us into the future. As Awards and Scholarship Committees Chairs, I want to make sure everyone knows about the NvACD awards and scholarships given.  There were amazing recipients this year that you probably know even if you are not directly associated with conservation districts. Kenneth Johns and Gerry Miller NvACD Hall of Fame and Laura Van Ripper Distinguished Service to the Cause of Conservation  (Awards link)

Scholarships

Every year NvACD awards scholarships to Nevada students pursuing an agriculture or natural resource field.  It is a heartwarming opportunity to be on the Scholarship Committee and read about the super-fantastic kids out there that are on the path to make a difference in conservation in Nevada. Last Spring, we awarded $3900 to 11 students that came from all over the state.  I can tell you it was not easy to narrow it down from the over 30 that applied.  Each year we award half of what we have available in our scholarship account.  The only source of income for this important enterprise is a raffle and silent auction held each year at our Annual Meeting.  I guess you can realize we could not hold that live this year, SO, I want to make you aware of our ONLINE SILENT AUCTION. There is a link on the homepage of the NvACD website at http://www.nvacd.org/.   There you will find, ably set up by our Treasurer, Adriane Tibbitts, an easy way to bid on the items.  You can find some great Christmas presents there.  The auction is open until December 4.

Here is why you would want to bid or donate; we received this update from one recipient in 2020.  She indicated she would be pursuing a degree in environmental science, focusing on pollutants and contamination. She is enrolled at UNR, and she graduated from Veterans Tribute Career and Technical Academy (high school) in Las Vegas.   Her words:

Thank you once again for this generous opportunity to pursue my dream of higher education. As requested, I am doing a follow up report regarding my process towards my professional goals. As you are well aware, this academic year has brought unprecedented challenges and experiences. Hours of online studies and interactions have taken a toll on my wearied mind, however despite being unable to meet my professors face-to-face I am taken aback by the immeasurable amount of compassion and dedication that my professors and colleagues have shown. Throughout these months of remote learning I have experienced diverse perspectives that have only increased my passion for learning. Living through a pandemic and experiencing first-hand the detrimental effects of California’s wildfires have all instilled within me a greater appreciation for life and unspoiled air. Therefore, I hope to pursue a minor in hydrology and expand my knowledge of Environmental Science by applying to undergraduate research in the upcoming fall semester. While the upcoming months may be uncertain, please rest assure that I have no intention in halting my education and will continue to make use of your consideration and generosity.

 With much appreciation,

Alejandra G.

It has been a tough year; this is some GOOD NEWS!  Please take the time to read the attached Award presentations, and please, consider a bid on a silent auction item, the donation of an item, or a financial contribution to the NvACD Scholarship Fund.  NvACD is a 501(c)(3) entity.  You can email me with any questions, maggieorr@nvacd.org, or Adriane at treasurer@nvacd.org.   There will be deserving students most thankful next year for what you do now.

Happy Thanksgiving!  And thank you,

Maggie Orr

NvACD Awards and Scholarship Committees

Full Video Link

Presenter video times

(link)

we are now accepting applications for the 2021 NV SRM youth delegate. Winners will attend the 2021 SRM meeting in Boise ID.

Instructions to apply (here) 

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Nevada Section of Society for Range Management (SRM) has regretfully decided they cannot hold Nevada Youth Range Camp this June due to the current pandemic situation.

Each year since 1961 Range Camp has introduced Nevada youth to the plants, soils, wildlife and water systems and management of Nevada rangelands in a camp environment with great food, campfires and fun activities.  Range Camp is a cooperative effort of the Nevada Section of SRM, Cooperative Extension, many state and federal natural resource agencies, Smith Creek Ranch and other volunteers.

Society for Range Management holds the High School Youth Forum at their International meeting; the next is in Boise, Idaho in February.  The Nevada delegate is chosen at Nevada Youth Range Camp each year.  Because there will be no Range Camp in 2020, the Nevada Section will hold an essay contest on a natural resource topic for past campers.  The winner will be sponsored to attend the SRM meeting in Boise or receive a $300 scholarship should the Boise meeting not be able to be held.

Nevada Youth Range Camp will be back in June 2021!  As previous campers have said, “This is the greatest camp ever, and seriously, the best thing about summer.”  Stay updated at the Nevada Section Society for Range Management website at https://nevada.rangelands.org/youth-range-camp/.