News

News

​Tree Talk

​Tree Talk

NRD district forester earns statewide arborist certification, promotes tree planting


There’s not much about trees in Nebraska that Kyle Yrkoski doesn’t know. Already well versed in the topic through work experience and a degree from the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture, the district forester at the Upper Big Blue NRD added...Read More

Better Soil, Better Health—For Plants and People

Better Soil, Better Health—For Plants and People

3rd Annual Project GROW Winter Workshop Held


Soil health is in the hands of farmers. This was the key take away from the 2020 Project GROW Winter Workshop, hosted by the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District on December 3. Most of the speakers were virtual, but the information on how to improve soil health and profitability...Read More

​Departing NRD Board Members to Be Celebrated for Long Service

​Departing NRD Board Members to Be Celebrated for Long Service

Three longtime members of the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District will be celebrated next month for their collective 83 years of service to the people of the district. Douglas Bruns, Gary Eberle, and Merlin Volkmer will each conclude their service in December after decades of board membership.

“We appreciate the leadership...Read More

​State Land Judging Competition Challenges Youth in McCool Junction

​State Land Judging Competition Challenges Youth in McCool Junction

LINCOLN, Nebraska – Students and instructors from 32 Nebraska FFA chapters met in McCool Junction to compete in State Land Judging Oct. 28. The Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District (NRD) partnered with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to host the annual competition.

To accommodate the health and safety...Read More

Investing in Soil Health

Investing in Soil Health

Producer Partnerships Sought, Funds Available Soon

Are you a producer who is interested in adding conservation activities such as cover crops, but have been deterred by the costs involved in changing your operation? Good news! There will soon be funds available for soil health improvement practices in the district, thanks to...Read More

Project GROW 2020 Workshop Registration Now Open

Project GROW 2020 Workshop Registration Now Open

See Videos

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

Pages