Enhancing grassland ecosystems while sustaining private, profitable ranching
from grassroots
TO GRASSLANDS
Education and outreach have always been essential to fulfilling our mission. These efforts foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Sandhills’ ecology and ranching heritage, both for residents and nonresidents alike. From hosting landowner meetings and educational events to offering one-on-one technical support and contributing to ongoing research, we aim to strengthen local knowledge and awareness of the Sandhills’ importance to Nebraska.
​
Through our 2023-launched internship program, the growing Sandhills Stewards network, Youth Range Camp, and continued presence within the ranching and conservation communities, we strive to share our passion for stewardship, provide practical tools and resources to local producers, and encourage meaningful community connections. By working together, we’re shaping a strong future for the Sandhills.
​
If you would like more information on our outreach and educational efforts, please contact Shelly Kelly at 308-214-0065 or at shelly@sandhilllstaskforce.org.
EXECTUTIVE DIRECTOR
meet our
Shelly Kelly
Growing up on a family Sandhill ranching and farming operation near Brewster helped Shelly gain a sincere appreciation for the Sandhills ecosystem and the associated ranching industry. A college degree in Range Science from South Dakota State University and previous employment with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) as Range Management Specialist in North Platte and other locations allowed her to gain new perspectives on ranching and conservation and how the two can fit together. She is passionate about ensuring ranching remains viable in the Sandhills, and the grassland remains intact. To do this, Shelly has established a broad network of peers, professionals, and ranchers that can all work together to achieve the common goal of conserving our natural resources while remaining profitable and maintaining the ranching way of life. Shelly started working for the Sandhills Task Force in 2014 and operates out of her home. She is responsible to promote the Sandhills Task Force, acquiring grants and funds for projects, coordinating with partner agencies/groups, and overseeing all projects. Shelly and her son Conley live near Broken Bow, Nebraska.
INTERNSHIP
ranch
The Sandhills Task Force Ranch Internship Program offers college students and emerging professionals a hands-on opportunity to experience ranching in the Nebraska Sandhills. Launched in 2023, the program places interns on working ranches across the region, where they gain practical skills in land stewardship, agriculture, and livestock management. Interns work alongside experienced producers, building real-world knowledge while contributing to the sustainable management of one of Nebraska’s most iconic landscapes. This immersive experience helps prepare the next generation of ranchers and agricultural leaders.
RANGE CAMP
youth
The Sandhills Task Force is a supporter of the Nebraska Youth Range Camp. This state-wide camp consists of a dynamic curriculum that appeals to students with a wide array of interests, including, but not limited to, rangeland management, conservation, ecology, animal science, and wildlife. With nearly 50 years to perfect and evolve this curriculum, every student, no matter what prior experience they have, will learn substantial information that will help them become more aware of Nebraska’s most prevalent land use. Rangelands cover nearly 50% of Nebraska and approximately 60% of the United States. These numbers convey the dominance of this land use, but recently there have been several political issues regarding the management of these rangelands, which further emphasizes the reason it is imperative for us to educate the youth so we may enable them to become proficient and effective leaders in resource management as well as educated voters.
​
The students attending this camp will be actively involved with lectures, field activities, hands-on experience, and recreational leadership and team-building activities led by up to 20 of Nebraska’s most respected and dedicated leaders, teachers, and professionals from various agencies, colleges, and universities. Each student will be sent home with a binder that is filled with educational materials. Must be 14-18 years old.​​
​
Check us out on Social Media!
STEWARDS
sandhills
Sandhills Stewards is a program designed to help bring our Sandhills producers the tools they need most to succeed. Ultimately it is a network of producers throughout the Sandhills that share common values that use those values to help shape the culture of our area. We believe that strong communities and local connections are the most effective way to implement the changes we want to see around us.