The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is partnering with the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) and conservation districts nationwide on SHAPE (Soil Health Assessment Protocol and Evaluation), a new farmer-friendly tool designed to benchmark soil health across the country and connect soil health conditions with agricultural management practices.
The project is now recruiting Pennsylvania farmers and ranchers representing a wide range of land uses and soil health conditions, from operations with advanced soil health systems to fields with opportunities for improvement. Producer participation begins with an approximately one-hour virtual interview about their operation and management practices. A SHAPE contractor will then collect soil samples and send them to a laboratory for analysis.
A broad representation of Pennsylvania farms will help build a better understanding of soil health conditions and management practices across the state.
For more information, review the SHAPE materials:
Ready to enroll? Click here to choose a date and time to set up an online meeting.
Questions can be directed to PACD at swehinger@pacd.org, who will coordinate responses with NACD.
PACD members and partners will receive registration links today for the 2027 PACD Winter Meeting, which will take place as a series of videoconferences throughout January. Registration is both free and required.
As the Conservation Engineer for the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts (PACD) in the eastern part of the state, the new hire will provide engineering assistance to the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP).
The 2026 Management Summit was held October 27-29 at the Wyndham Garden State College in Boalsburg. Over 70 district managers, management staff, and partner staff attended. Sessions focused on district operations, human resources, artificial intelligence, effective communication and advocacy, board development, workforce retention, succession planning, and funding and financial management.
Mark your calendars for Agricultural Conservation Technical Training (“Boot Camp” Basic Level and Level II). Ag conservation professionals interested in growing their technical abilities are encouraged to take advantage of these free, week-long training opportunities that include classroom instruction and field experience. The courses provide a foundation that will be supplemented by future on-the-job and formal training. Participants will expand their professional network, connecting with fellow attendees as they interact with senior staff and subject matter and technical experts who serve as instructors.
On October 1, 2026, the Clarion Conservation District (CCD) partnered with Ellery Troyer of Ecological Field Services and Katie Brooks of Penn State Extension to offer a Backyard Invasive Plant Removal Demonstration Workshop at the CCD office.
The Allegheny County Conservation District (ACCD) has launched a new Streamlined Watershed Planning Tool to help communities identify and advance projects that reduce flooding, restore waterways, protect drinking water, and improve wildlife habitat.