 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
THE DROP
A monthly e-newsletter from the North Central Region Water Network
May 2024
|
|
|
|
|
Network News
Happy Memorial Day! We are excited to get closer to the official start of summer and see more and more crops getting into the ground. For the North Central Region Water Network we are ramping up to summer conferences and trainings while fitting in personal travel and family time.
-The North Central Region Water Network team
| |
This month we are celebrating the 100th edition of The Current Webinar Series! To celebrate this milestone we are showcasing several stellar examples of multistate water work that are expanding the scope and positive impact of programs through multistate partnerships.
Tune in as we explore The Confluence for Watershed Leaders program, the Conservation Drainage Network, and the upcoming North Central Agriculture and Climate Conference. Register
| |
When it comes to creating effective and meaningful educational programming Hannah Nordby has two core principles. First and foremost, consider the audience. Don’t expect people to come to you, meet them where they’re at. Secondly, cultivate engaging learning environments that inspire participants. If we aren’t having fun, why are we doing it? With these two principles in mind, she facilitates conservation leadership and planning programming for Soil Conservation District supervisors and employees across North Dakota. Read on
| |
The North Central Climate Collaborative program committee is looking for applied research, extension, and/or technological advancement proposals at the intersection of climate and agriculture. Program concurrent tracks will be determined by proposals submitted, but may include row crops, specialty crops, urban agriculture, food systems, forestry and natural resources, local needs, or other relevant topics. Colleagues from 1890 and 1994 Institutions are highly encouraged to submit their work. Download the Call for Abstracts
| |
In The News
Upcoming Events
Algal Bloom Action Team Webinar: Cyanobacteria in the Context of Climate Change
June 5, 2024
As we head into another season of harmful algal blooms, we are focusing this webinar on cyanobacteria in the context of global climate change, including nitrate, reduced ice cover, and increased temperatures and light. Tune in as we feature the work of Rebecca North, Associate Professor at the University of Missouri's School of Natural Resources and Silvia Newell, Director of Michigan Sea Grant and Professor at the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability. RegisterThe Midwest Climate Adaptation Science Center’s 2024 Annual Gathering
August 13-15, 2024
At this year’s Midwest Climate Adaptation Science Center's Annual Gathering, we’ll have a special focus on climate adaptation at the interface of land and water, including how research and planning can be better integrated to support climate solutions, navigating complex policy, and environmental justice implications, such as the cultural and spiritual importance of water to Tribal Nations, inequities related to water and greenspace access, and other issues. While we’ll highlight local work and perspectives related to this theme, this is a topic of region-wide relevance – altered hydrological regimes and novel terrestrial landscapes are two of the key management challenges the MW CASC identified in our science agenda. Register
Midwest Drought Early Warning System (DEWS) Partners Meeting
August 20, 2024
The next in-person Midwest Drought Early Warning System (DEWS) meeting will take place in Indianapolis this August. This regional gathering will provide the opportunity for partners in the Midwest DEWS to share and discuss ongoing drought-related activities; learn about new and innovative drought research and resources; explore emerging issues and opportunities; and identify collaborative paths forward to advance drought early warning and preparedness in the region. Register
Funding and Opportunities
Applications Now Open for SARE Fellows Program
The SARE Fellows program provides an immersive educational experience for participants to enhance their understanding of sustainable agriculture through broad-based training and interpersonal interactions at unique agriculture operations nationwide. Participating Fellows build professional relationships, improve their teaching and technology transfer skills, and are better prepared to develop programs that meet the needs of their local agricultural communities. Learn more
Director of Center of Watershed Science and Education Position
This Center for Watershed Science and Education Director position is a full-time (12-month), UW-Stevens Point tenure track Faculty position that includes 80% Director responsibilities (grant writing, research, Extension programming, and administration) and 20% undergraduate teaching (approximately 2 courses per academic year). The individual will be a UW-Madison Division of Extension Specialist providing Extension leadership, research, and community engagement while engaging in undergraduate and graduate education and community engagement. Applications are being accepted until June 9th. Learn more
Community Change Grants Now Open
EPA’s new Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants program (Community Change Grants) has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for approximately $2 billion dollars in Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funds in environmental and climate justice activities to benefit disadvantaged communities through projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity to address environmental and climate justice challenges. These place-based investments will be focused on community-driven initiatives to be responsive to community and stakeholder input. They are designed to deliver on the transformative potential of the IRA for communities most adversely and disproportionately impacted by climate change, legacy pollution, and historical disinvestments. Learn more
News
Waterers and Watering Systems: A Handbook for Livestock Producers and Landowners
Exciting news from Kansas State University Extension! They've recently revamped their handbook for livestock producers and landowners focusing on watering systems. This handbook is the ultimate guide to designing a watering system that ticks all the boxes—budget-friendly, site-specific, and tailored to your livestock's needs. Read more
Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Fellowship Launches Participants on Planning Process
The Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Fellowship (CAMF) has launched 105 program participants on a two-year journey of creating climate adaptation and mitigation plans as they engage in learning, network-building, and outreach. CAMF has four cohorts of Fellows: diversified agriculture and agroforestry in the Northeast, row crops in the Midwest, dairy in the Northeast, and women and non-binary vegetable farmers and advisors in the Northeast and Midwest. Read more
To save their soil, Kansas tribe shifts to regenerative agriculture – and transforms their farms
When one of the elders in the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska asked if he could keep bees on the reservation, Tim Rhodd's answer was straightforward: "Absolutely."
Soon, the bees started buzzing in the alfalfa fields. Then they started pollinating. Then they all died. Read more
| |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
