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.
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.
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.
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.
