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Project GROW 2020 Workshop Registration Now Open

Project GROW 2020 Workshop Registration Now Open

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What drives soil health? What are the costs and benefits of improving your soil? These questions and more will be explored at the upcoming Project GROW Winter Workshop, December 3 in York. The third annual...Read More

Local Recreation Areas Offer Fall Family Fun

Local Recreation Areas Offer Fall Family Fun

Did you know that the Upper Big Blue NRD manages five public recreation areas? These parks are free to use* and open to the public year-round. With fall’s mellow temperatures and beautiful foliage, there’s no better time to visit. Whether it’s an early morning meditation with a fishing rod, or a fun family picnic and boating, there’s something...Read More

Recharge Lake, local gem for wildlife enthusiasts, has a long history

Recharge Lake, local gem for wildlife enthusiasts, has a long history

Bruce L. Anderson Recreation Area in York features a 44-surface-acre lake where locals can go RV and tent camping, boating, fishing, hiking, birding and more. But what’s the story with the man whose name is on the rec area, and why is the lake better known simply as Recharge?

The rec area was created and is managed by the Upper Big...Read More

​“The Heart and Soul of Our Community”

​“The Heart and Soul of Our Community”

NRD Partners with Beaver Crossing on Improvements to Historic Park

When a massive tornado tore through Beaver Crossing on Mother’s Day 2014, it destroyed or damaged virtually every home and business in the small community, ripped trees out by the roots, and left farm buildings lying in heaps of twisted metal. Powerlines...Read More

​2019 Hastings Vadose Zone Nitrate Study (Summary)

​2019 Hastings Vadose Zone Nitrate Study (Summary)

By Dr. Dan Snow, research professor with the Nebraska Water Center

Key Takeaways
  • Nitrate concentrations beneath irrigated cropland increased by about 30% between 2011 and 2016 indicating that nitrogen fertilizer continues to be lost below the root zone
  • The largest amount of
    • ...Read More

​Groundwater Quality Sampling Schedule

​Groundwater Quality Sampling Schedule

By Erinn Wilkins

The Upper Big Blue NRD is divided into 12 groundwater quality Management Zones. The median nitrate value for that zone determines the phase of management and therefore, rules and regulations.
 
Taking a step back, the median nitrate value for a zone is the product of water samples collected...Read More

Conservation and Recreation

Conservation and Recreation

NRD Private Dams Program offers landowners assistance for improvements


The water in the pond on Dwaine Kubicek’s farmland in Milligan is low, having been drained recently for improvements to the dam structure. Still, it is the prettiest spot in the area on this warm day in early fall. Bullfrogs are hopping, crickets are...Read More

End of Season Looms for NRD Campgrounds

End of Season Looms for NRD Campgrounds

As the weather cools and leaves begin to fall, the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District is making plans for the end of the camping season. Camping will be finished for the season at all district recreation areas after October 25. The NRD manages five recreation areas. Tent...Read More

​Water Leaders Academy: Sponsorship Available for District Residents

​Water Leaders Academy: Sponsorship Available for District Residents

Abundant clean water is an essential component of Nebraska’s economy and the health and wellbeing of all Nebraskans. Stewarding this valuable resource through educating leaders is the goal of the Nebraska Water Leaders Academy. Through six 1.5-day trainings over the course of a year, participants...Read More

Buffer strips: good for growers—and their land

Buffer strips: good for growers—and their land

The sun is high in the sky and the temperature is rising on a late summer day in York County. Despite the heat, semiretired farmer Ken Janzen looks perfectly comfortable as he stands on the gravel road next to one of his cornfields. He’s seen plenty of scorching Nebraska weather in his lifetime of farming in this area. Rows of tall green stalks...Read More

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