Letter from the Vice President

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As we welcome fall across the Great Plains, I find myself reflecting on the many ways conservation takes shape. Some moments are big and worthy of celebration, while others may seem small at first glance but contribute to something greater.

This season, we have some significant accomplishments to celebrate. In North Dakota, the Conservation Forage Program recently surpassed an incredible milestone: more than 20,000 acres of working lands have been restored to native grasslands. We are also celebrating another successful season of summer camps, where young people had opportunities to explore, learn, and build a connection with the natural world through hands-on experiences fueled by mud, laughter, and curiosity.

And while we celebrate these big wins, I also want to take a moment to recognize the smaller moments that make a big impact.

At Brigham Sanctuary in North Dakota, a local student pursuing their Eagle Scout award took on a project to create, fundraise for, and install an information kiosk at the sanctuary.

At Rowe Sanctuary, a generous donation from Marvin and Marilyn Heckman, made it possible to construct a new equipment shed on the property. The shed provides a place to safely store our tractor and skid steer out of the elements, helping preserve the lifespan of these essential tools that are critical for our conservation work.

At Spring Creek Prairie, a team of three staff members and three volunteers conducted bird surveys across the tallgrass prairie in southeastern Nebraska to monitor declining Henslow’s Sparrows. The data collected will help inform future habitat management and guide additional research to better understand and support this species.

These projects may not always make the biggest headlines, but they are important reminders that conservation happens in many ways. It happens through major investments and ambitious programs, but it also happens through a student giving their time, a donor making a generous gift, a volunteer showing up, or a community coming together to care for a special place.

As you explore this issue of our newsletter, I invite you to dive deeper into the many ways your support is making an impact across the Great Plains. Learn more about the economic impact of crane season and the many ways these remarkable birds and the Platte River contribute to Nebraska communities.

And as we look ahead, we are preparing for another legislative session across the Great Plains. We know that policy decisions can have a lasting impact on the lands, waters, and wildlife we all value. Our goal is to be a resource for you, sharing information, context, and opportunities to stay informed about the conservation issues that matter to our region.

Thank you for being part of this work. Together, these big wins and small moments are helping build a healthier future for birds, people, and the places we share.