Hall of Fame and Conservation Award Winners Recognized for Success

LINCOLN, Nebraska – Natural resources stakeholders and subject matter experts will be in Kearney for the annual Nebraska Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) Conference at the Younes Conference Center Sept. 26-27, 2022.

The conference brings together NRD employees, directors and others integrally involved in conservation, technology and policymaking. The event kicks off with the Ron Bishop Memorial Golf tournament on Sunday, Sept. 25, to raise money for the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD) Foundation.

Gov. Pete Ricketts will open the conference on Monday at 8:30 a.m. followed by updates from natural resources partners including USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and Farm Service Agency, the National Association of Conservation Districts, the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy and the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources. The conference runs from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Topics include an overview and discussion of successful natural resources programs, new technologies and research for future programs. Panelists at the forum will also provide insight on water quality, groundwater management, and carbon credits.

Recognizing citizens for their conservation efforts, Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts also will present awards during the noon luncheon Monday, Sept. 26. Winners include:

• 2022 Tree Planter of the Year: Dennis & Teri Taylor – Newport, Nebraska
• 2022 Community Conservation Award: City of York (Project Grow) – York, Nebraska
• 2022 Water Conservation Award: John Krohn – Albion, Nebraska
• 2022 Soil Stewardship Conservation Award: Dave & Alex Daake – Seward County, Nebraska
• 2022 Director of the Year: Larry Moore, Upper Big Blue NRD – Ulysses, Nebraska
• 2022 Educator of the Year (K-6): Laura Cooney, Arthur County Public Schools
• 2022 Educator of the Year (7-12): Kelly Guggenmos, Wheeler Central High School

Monday evening includes a silent auction for the NARD Foundation, which supports natural resources youth programs, followed by a dinner banquet. During the banquet, three NRD Hall of Fame inductees will be recognized including:

• Jim Bendfeldt, Kearney, Nebraska (2022 NRD Director, Central Platte NRD)
• Marlin Petermann, Omaha, Nebraska (posthumously) (2022 NRD Employee, Papio-Missouri River NRD)
• Susan Olafsen-Lackey, Conservation and Survey Division (2022 NRD Supporter)

More than 400 natural resources stakeholders are expected to attend the conference. Online registration and a detailed agenda are available on the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts’ website.

The annual NRD Conference is presented by Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts with a range of local and national sponsors.

Throughout 2022, the NRDs will commemorate breakthroughs and achievements in conservation. To join in the celebration and follow the Natural Resources Districts’ special activities throughout 2022, visit nrdnet.org and follow #Since1972 on social media.