USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service

NRCS Conservation Programs

NRCS's natural resources conservation programs help people reduce soil erosion, enhance water supplies, improve water quality, increase wildlife habitat, and reduce damages caused by floods and other natural disasters.

For assistance or additional information, please contact Halimah Wynn, Soil Conservationist, at 252-351-8041 or email halimah.wynn@usda.gov.

Funding Opportunities Available From NRCS Programs

NRCS provides funding opportunities for agricultural producers and other landowners through these programs.

Conservation Technical Assistance Program and Activities

• Conservation of Private Grazing Land
• Conservation Reserve Program (administered by USDA Farm Service Agency)
• Conservation Technical Assistance
• Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative
• State Technical Committees

Environmental Improvement Programs

• Agricultural Management Assistance
• Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative
• Environmental Quality Incentives Program 
  • Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP)
  • 2014 Conservation Activity Plans | 2013 Conservation Activity Plans
  • EQIP Initiatives Overview
    • EQIP Air Quality Initiative
    • EQIP On-Farm Energy Initiative 
    • EQIP Organic Program Initiative
    • EQIP Seasonal High Tunnel Initiative
  • National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI)

The 2014 Farm Bill was enacted on February 7, 2014. NRCS offers voluntary Farm Bill conservation programs that benefit both agricultural producers and the environment.

Some programs will be available immediately, while others will require limited time to be set up within the agency. Details are on each program page and at your local USDA Service Center.

Current Farm Bill contracts remain in effect; new sign-up information will be announced here as it becomes available.

Backyard Conservation

Bringing conservation from the countryside to your backyard

Just as they do on the farm, conservation practices on non-agricultural land can help increase food and shelter for birds and other wildlife, control soil erosion, reduce sediment in waterways, conserve water and improve water quality, inspire a stewardship ethic, and beautify the landscape.

Backyard Conservation shows you how conservation practices that help conserve and improve natural resources on agricultural land across the country can be adapted for use around your home. These practices help the environment and can make your yard more attractive and enjoyable. Most backyard conservation practices are easy to use. America's farmers and ranchers have been using these practices successfully for decades.

Whether you have rural acreage, a suburban yard, or a city lot, you can help protect the environment and add beauty and interest to your surroundings. Ten conservation practices have been scaled down for homeowners.

Backyard Conservation magazine and tip sheets

Download our Backyard Conservation magazine and tip sheets for more information on bringing conservation to your backyard.

Non-Discrimination Statement

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the bases of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal, and where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program, or protected genetic information in employment or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the Department. (Not all prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or employment activities.)

To file a complaint of discrimination, complete, sign and mail the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form (PDF), found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at:

USDA
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410

Or by email at program.intake@usda.gov.

Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities and you wish to file either an EEO or program complaint please contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339 or (800) 845-6136 (in Spanish).

Persons with disabilities who wish to file a program complaint, please see information above on how to contact us by mail directly or by email. If you require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) please contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).

Equal Employment Opportunity Data Posted Pursuant to the No Fear Act