October 6, 2026
TECUMSEH, Neb. – Three members of the Nemaha Natural Resources District were recognized for significant service milestones during the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD) Annual Conference on September 29 in Kearney.
Mark McDonald – 45 Years of Service
McDonald began working for the Nemaha NRD as a part-time employee in 1980, primarily planting trees, before being hired full-time in 1981. In his first three years, the district planted more than a quarter million trees across 452 sites.
By 1989, McDonald had helped design tree plans, prepare planting sites, take orders, and manage crews that collectively planted more than 611,000 trees. That year, he became the district's Tree and Water Program Specialist and has continued to lead the district's tree program.
During McDonald's 45 years with the Nemaha NRD, the district has sold more than 1.5 million trees, with at least 1 million planted by district crews under his guidance. His passion for trees extends beyond his work, as he has planted and cared for trees on his own properties over the years and is known for transplanting seedlings and introducing favorite species, including pawpaw, to NRD properties.
When the district moved into its current office, McDonald hand-dug and transplanted a row of trees from his pasture to create a windbreak around the property. In 2023, he was recognized as the Tree Planter of the Year for his contributions to tree planting and conservation in southeast Nebraska.
J. Duane Sugden – 35 Years of Service
Sugden joined the Nemaha NRD Board of Directors in January 1991 and currently represents Subdistrict 6, which serves Gage and Johnson Counties. He serves on the district’s Programs & Projects Committee.
Throughout his 35 years on the board, Sugden has served in several leadership positions, including board chair, vice-chair, and secretary/treasurer. He has represented the district as a voting delegate at NARD conferences and participated in workshops, tours, educational events and state and national meetings focused on natural resources. He has also been a consistent supporter of Nemaha NRD programs and events, volunteering alongside his wife, Rosie, and regularly attending board meetings, open houses, dedications, and other district activities.
A longtime farmer, Sugden remains involved in the family farming operation while continuing to serve the Nemaha NRD and his community, bringing the same commitment to conservation and service that has defined his 35 years as a director.
Kathy Harlow – 20 Years of Service
Harlow, District Clerk at the Falls City NRCS office, began her service with the district in August 2006 in Pawnee City and transitioned to the Falls City office in 2026. Throughout her career, she has served as a valued resource and point of support for the NRCS offices and the producers and landowners they serve.
Pictured, back row, left to right: Water Resources Manager Chuck Wingert, Nemaha NRD Directors Orval Gigstad, Dan Hodges, and Doug Iske. Middle row, left to right: Nemaha NRD General Manager Kyle Hauschild, I&E Coordinator Maddie Million, Assistant Manager Jane Kuhl, Water Technician Correy McClintock, and Water Resources Specialist Charlie Pierce. Front row, left to right: Nemaha NRD director Duane Sugden, Watershed Coordinator Mark McDonald, and Administrative Bookkeeper Brooke Gerdes.
The Nemaha NRD congratulates McDonald, Sugden, and Harlow on these significant milestones and appreciates their many years of dedication to the district and the conservation of natural resources in southeast Nebraska.
The Nemaha Natural Resources District (NRD) is one of Nebraska’s 23 Natural Resources Districts, serving eight counties in southeast Nebraska within the Nemaha River Basin. The District is governed by a publicly elected board and focuses on flood and erosion control, soil conservation, water quality and quantity, and outdoor recreation. Learn more at www.nemahanrd.org.