September 16, 2026
NRD Hall of Fame Inductees Announced at Husker Harvest Days
Three individuals honored for conservation work
LINCOLN, Nebraska – During Husker Harvest Days Sept. 16, Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) recognized three individuals, who will be inducted into the NRD Hall of Fame later this month.
“Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts involve many dedicated individuals working to protect our natural resources,” said Ryan Reuter, president of the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD). “We’re proud to recognize these outstanding individuals for the significant improvements they’ve made to our natural resources, and the NRD Hall of Fame is one small way to thank them.”
Annually, Nebraska’s NRDs nominate and vote for individuals who have made significant contributions to improving the state’s natural resources. Hall of Fame categories include an NRD Director, NRD Employee and NRD Supporter. The NRD Supporter includes an individual outside the NRD system who has shown tremendous care and leadership in Nebraska’s ongoing conservation efforts.
2026 NRD Hall of Fame inductees:
- NRD Director – Marcel Kramer, Crofton, Nebraska
- NRD Employee – Jane Kuhl, Elk Creek, Nebraska
- NRD Supporter – Patrick Cowsert, Wisner, Nebraska
Marcel Kramer – NRD Director
Marcel Kramer is recognized for his 28 years of service to the Lewis & Clark NRD. Elected to the board in 1996, Kramer served as Board Chair and Secretary/Treasurer and was known for his thoughtful leadership, institutional knowledge and commitment to sound conservation practices.
Kramer also represented the Lewis & Clark NRD as a longtime NARD delegate and participated in conservation efforts at the state and national levels, including the Missouri River Recovery Implementation Committee. His dedication to conservation extends to his own farm near Crofton, where he implemented innovative grazing practices and received the Nebraska Forage and Grassland Council’s Outstanding Grassland Award.
Beyond his NRD service, Kramer has been a dedicated community leader through his church, school board and other civic involvement. His nearly three decades of service have strengthened the Lewis & Clark NRD and contributed to natural resources conservation across Nebraska.
Jane Kuhl – NRD Employee
Jane Kuhl has 43 years (and still counting) of dedicated service to the Nemaha NRD. During her career, Kuhl has served as secretary, information & education representative and assistant manager, taking on increasing responsibilities while becoming a trusted source of knowledge and guidance for staff and directors.
Kuhl has helped the Nemaha NRD navigate leadership transitions and changing priorities while preserving institutional knowledge and providing continuity. Her professionalism, dependability and willingness to help have made her a valuable resource to the district, its partners and the communities it serves.
Kuhl’s dedication to conservation extends beyond her professional life. She and her husband, Gary, operate a family farm, maintaining a close connection to the land she has spent her career helping protect.
Patrick Cowsert – NRD Supporter
Patrick Cowsert is recognized for decades of service to conservation education in Nebraska. As a U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) soil scientist, Cowsert shared his expertise with thousands of students and educators through the Nebraska Envirothon and Land Judging programs.
For more than 20 years, Cowsert served as a soil test writer and soils station leader for the Nebraska Envirothon, helping prepare students and teachers and coaching Nebraska teams for international competition. He also served as lead soil scientist for the Northeast Region Land Judging Contest, the state’s largest land judging competition. His careful preparation and expertise have helped ensure students receive meaningful, hands-on experiences learning about soils and natural resources.
Cowsert retired from NRCS in January 2026, leaving behind a legacy of mentorship, education and conservation leadership.
Natural Resources Districts Hall of Fame inductees will be recognized at the NRD annual conference dinner banquet in Kearney, Nebraska, Monday, Sept. 28, 2026.
The Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD), the trade association for Nebraska's 23 Natural Resources Districts (NRD), works with individual districts to protect lives, property and the future of Nebraska’s natural resources. NRDs are unique to Nebraska, and act as local government entities with broad responsibilities to protect Nebraska’s natural resources. Major Nebraska river basins form the boundaries of the 23 NRDs, enabling districts to respond to local conservation and resource management needs. Learn more about Nebraska’s NRDs at www.nrdnet.org.