Real Dirt: Soil. Where It All Begins—And People. Who Make It Possible.

The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) has announced the 2026 Stewardship Week theme:

“Soil. Where It All Begins.”

This resonates deeply with our work, but we believe it tells only half the story.

A nation is built on a solid foundation of supported soils AND supported people.

My commitment to this truth was forged over a decade as a USDA employee at “the People’s Department,” dedicated to the NRCS mission of “Helping People, Help the Land.” Notice the order: it starts with people. This philosophy has roots across the globe—from the vast legacy of Russian pedology to the foundational work of Hugh Hammond Bennett, America’s father of soil conservation, who understood that saving our soil required empowering the people who steward it.

Yet, too often, we celebrate the soil while devaluing the soil scientists, conservationists, engineers, and water operators who are its guardians. We must support those who truly toil for the soil. We expect them to do more with less, offering lip service instead of living wages and respect.

A stronger nation cannot be built on depleted ground or depleted people.

As an Argentinean-Mexican American, my commitment to the fair treatment and protections of workers runs deep—a value I carry with me every day as we fight for dignity in the dirt trades.

True conservation—the kind that builds resilience for the next generation—requires that we:

1. Invest in People with the same vigor we invest in practices. This means professionalized training, fair contracts, and careers that honor expertise.

2. Learn from History by embracing Bennett’s model of empowering local stewards with science and support, not unfunded mandates.

3. Build a Foundation where specialists are not diluted by generalists, ensuring the technical integrity of our water systems, homes, and food supply.

“Soil. Where It All Begins” is a powerful call to action. Let us answer it by ensuring the people who begin that work are valued, supported, and empowered.

That is how we truly help the land.

Yours in dirt,

-gabby

P.S. We are answering this call through initiatives like our NM Erosion Control School and the New Mexico Envirothon—because the future of our soil depends on the future of our professionals. Find out how you can support them!