When NRDs were formed in the late 1960s, they merged and simplified hundreds of soil conservation districts, watershed protection areas, and dozens of other special purpose districts throughout Nebraska. Over the past half century, Natural Resources Districts have helped landowners preserve soil and water quality through education, cost share programs, and conservation measures. And, when you see those windbreaks and shelter belts along the roadsides, there’s a very good chance the local NRD provided those trees through the Conservation Tree Program.