Welcome to the 79th Annual Meeting of the National Association of Conservation Districts!
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Agroforestry professionals and conservation district leaders: this session is for you! Facilitated by the National Agroforestry Center, this interactive networking hour will spotlight the vital role of collaboration in advancing agroforestry practices. Hear inspiring success stories, exchange ideas on overcoming challenges, and explore thematic discussions ranging from climate resilience to integrating agroforestry into conservation planning. With opportunities to connect with the National Agroforestry Center and peers in agroforestry-focused districts, this session is designed to foster partnerships and equip you with new tools and resources. Let’s build a stronger agroforestry network—together.
Join NACD's Director of Membership Engagement, Dr. Ariel Rivers, in a safe space to discuss the rewards and challenges for women leaders in the conservation space. All are welcome to join, to share successes and highlight programs that have created new pathways for women leaders and others. Please come prepared to engage and discuss, and bring your willingness to network in a welcoming and inclusive space.
From the Columbia River Basin to the Mississippi and beyond, conservation districts and partners are working to ensure a future for aquifer recovery and groundwater access. Working together with agencies both state and federal, tribes, individual landowners, universities, and local communities, districts are making an impact that will have lasting effects.
Hear two exciting presentations during this session!
Introduction to the Conservation Innovation Grants Program - This talk will give an introduction and overview of the NRCS Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program. The conservation innovation grants program is a USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) grants program that aims to improve innovation in agricultural operations in order to improve conservation of US natural resources on private lands.
Spokane Conservation District's Direct Seed Loan Implementation Program: How to Make EPA Clean Water Funding Work For You - In this session, you'll hear from the Spokane Conservation District about how they have successfully partnered with the Washington Department of Ecology and the United States Environmental Protection Agency to fund their Direct Seed Loan Implementation Program.
Hear two exciting presentations during this session!
Georgia's Conservation Districts and Feral Hog Control - Feral swine are one of the greatest invasive species challenges facing Georgia causing significant damage to agricultural crops and natural resources. The economic impact of damage caused by feral swine in Georgia is estimated at over $150 million. Conservation Districts and GACD are partnering with state and federal organizations to lead multiple efforts to address this growing problem including outreach and education, equipment rental and control services.
Managing Invasive Species on Rangelands: Staying with a Wicked Problem - Invasive annual brome increase in Great Basin shrublands has altered historical fire regimes and shifted landscapes to annual grasslands. Reestablishing the values of these lands requires using available research and knowledge, but with an increased emphasis on 1) detailed long-term conservation planning with well-defined contingencies 2) flexible availability of technical and financial assistance for landscape-scale implementation and 3) integration of site-specific monitoring results.
Hear three exciting presentations during this session!
Creating a Vision and Steps to Action - Kona SWCD to present their innovated ideas and the process it took to get where we are today. A presentation to highlight where we were, where we are, and where we would like to continue, including the steps it took to get there and the partnership and communication that is necessary.
Forging Future-Ready Conservation Districts in the Pacific Islands: Strengthening Leadership and Collaboration - The Southern Guam SWCD led the recent "Forging Future-Ready Conservation Districts" event, empowering Pacific Island conservation districts to address regional challenges through strategic capacity building. This session will highlight how the event cultivated leadership, enhanced collaboration, and promoted innovative conservation solutions tailored to island contexts. Participants will learn about approaches to building strong networks and fostering resilience in diverse environments.
Increasing Conservation District Funding: A Success Story in Montana- Going into the 2021 biennial Legislative Session, Montana's Conservation Districts faced a catastrophic budget shortfall. Through the leadership and advocacy of the Montana Association of Conservation Districts (MACD), support of individual CDs, and collaboration with the Department of Natural Resources (DNRC), the subsequent 2023 Legislature created and funded a CD Fund within a constitutional trust, comprising a permanent and generational funding solution for Montana's Conservation Districts.
Hear three exciting presentations during this session!
Cultivating Conservation Leaders: The SMCM-NARCDC Internship Partnership - Join us for an insightful session where we explore the successful partnership between St. Mary's College of Maryland (SMCM) and the National Association of Resource Conservation & Development Councils (NARCDC). This collaboration has created exclusive internship opportunities that are shaping the future of resource conservation. This session will highlight how strategic partnerships can drive innovation and sustainability in conservation efforts.
How to Start an AmeriCorps Program to Expand your Conservation Efforts - Learn how to develop and manage an AmeriCorps program in your local conservation district. The Hamilton County (OH) Conservation District started a program 2.5 years ago and has been able to leverage the service of 6 AmeriCorps members to increase education and conservation efforts in the southwest Ohio region. Presenter Gwen Z Roth, Education and AmeriCorps Program Manager, will share the great and not so great parts of the programs as well as many useful tips.
Natural Resource Apprenticeship Program - The Spokane Conservation District's Natural Resource Apprenticeship Program partners with many different entities in the community to provide three years of education and training for young people who are interested in a career in natural resources.
Hear two exciting presentations during this session!
Construction of an Off-Channel Wetland Treatment System Optimized for Nutrient Removal - Clermont SWCD and the East Fork Watershed Cooperative completed construction of an off-channel nutrient removal wetland in November 2023 utilizing a 3-acre reservoir formerly connected to a low-head dam. This session will review the project design and results of a monitoring program which show that the wetland treatment system has been highly successful in reducing nutrient loads to the East Fork Little Miami River and ultimately East Fork Lake which has been experiencing annual HABs since 2009.
Incentivizing Phosphorus Reduction in the Kalamazoo River Watershed via Novel Reverse Auction Program - Supported by the US EPA's Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, this 4-year collaboration between Delta Institute, Allegan Conservation District, and Michigan Farm Bureau was designed to reduce phosphorus runoff to Lake Michigan from agricultural fields through a performance-based incentive program.
Hear two exciting presentations during this session!
Laying the Groundwork: Supporting Urban Ag Growth through ACCD's Urban Soils Program - Allegheny County Conservation District's Urban Soils Program has supported the growth of urban agriculture in Pittsburgh over the past 8 years. ACCD will review history of the Urban Soils Program's implementation and development, while sharing progress on the current expansion efforts to pilot soil health remediation on 2 urban farms, funded by NACD's 2024 Urban and Community Conservation Grant.
Overcoming Barriers to Equity in Delivering Conservation - NRCS and their partners have been making an extra effort to reach underserved producers. Through partnership agreements, we have built awareness and relationships to lead to increased engagement. This work has provided insights into the barriers that underserved producers are facing that can inform all conservation organizations in their work toward equity. The presentation will detail the barriers identified and steps to overcome barriers so conservation programs can be used by all producers.
NEW Solutions has legislative authority to administer Experienced Worker Programs, for the purpose of utilizing talent, skills, and experience of individuals aged 55 and older to provide technical, professional, and administrative services. These programs support various Federal agencies, including USDA, DOI and others, in achieving mission-critical objectives.
Our partnership with these agencies strengthens the workforce to meet the nation's expanding conservation needs. As highlighted in a recent Agri-Pulse article, USDA’s reliance on external partnerships underscores the pressing need to address conservation staffing challenges—a need in which NEW Solutions is a recognized leader.
During this session, participants can learn about the following: 1. Leveraging Experienced Talent: How Experienced Workers Support Conservation Projects 2. Overview of key tasks undertaken by experienced workers, including conservation planning, mapping, disaster recovery, and staff training. 3. Highlighting the unique contributions of experienced professionals in specialized areas such as dam safety and emergency action planning, where their knowledge is indispensable.
Using case studies, such as conservation of the Oregon Spotted Frog, we will share lessons learned from collaborative conservation stories in which the USFWS worked with a Conservation District to restore or steward habitat for a species of concern. Speakers and Presentations:
Overview of US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Habitat Restoration Programs: John Huffman.
Wetland Restorations Catalyzing Conservation Practices in Benton County, Minnesota. Speakers: John Riens, Partners for Fish and Wildlife program (PFW) biologist, and Nathan Sanoski, District/Farm Bill Technician, Benton County Soil and Water Conservation District (District).
Oregon Spotted Frog Stewardship Partnership in Thurston County, Washington. Speakers Cassie Doll, USFWS PFW biologist, and Kiana Sinner, Thurston County District.
Targeted Grazing Invasive Species Using Virtual Fencing in Utah. Speakers: Destiny Allgood, USFWS PFW, and Ashley Longmore, Utah State University Extension.
Hear two exciting presentations during this session!
Creating Unexpected Partnerships - What does a public library, a yoga studio, and a local artist have in common with the LPNNRD? In this case, nature. During this session, we will discuss different events and subsequent partnerships that were forged to help connect people to the outdoors in unique ways. The partnerships we will talk about range from single day events to quarterly meet ups, and a permanent trail at one of our recreation areas. Join Sydney to learn more about what we've learned and where we're headed next!
What Your Seed Library Can Do For You - Seed libraries are a common approach for disbursing conservation education and, of course, free seeds! But how can a seed library do more? Join to learn about stacking messages and recruiting volunteers.
Hear two exciting presentations during this session!
Precision Farming with Smart Soil Insights: How Advanced Soil Profiling Enhances Farm Economics and Ecology - Traditional soil analysis is limited in scope and insight. Breakthroughs with in-field sensors and in-lab analytics provide a complete soil profile to help maximize yield and minimize impact.
When the STARs align: Partnership and program development stories from state level Saving Tomorrow's Agriculture Resources (STAR) Affiliates - Explore the value of STAR's adaptable framework in aligning state partners & amplifying conservation efforts using a locally-led, science-based approach to evaluating & guiding practice adoption.
For those interested in becoming a Certified TSP, this required training will provide an in-person option to satisfy the “NRCS-NEDC-000191 TSP Orientation and Conservation Planning” course. For current and renewing TSPs, this training session will cover TSP program updates, the TSP Registry renewal and modification processes, and other helpful guidance.
H2Ohio addresses urgent water quality problems, such as algal blooms from agricultural runoff. Starting in 2020, H2Ohio has encountered challenges in contract management and efficient program delivery. With more than $60 million in annual support, the initiative works with local SWCDs to implement BMPs across 1.8 million acres, which creates opportunity and trials along the way.
In 2022, the Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC) and over 60+ member companies and organizations across the agricultural supply chain, launched Eco-Harvest a Scope 3 ecosystem services market program for agriculture that incentivizes producers to adopt regenerative agriculture. This presentation will highlight lessons learned ramping up to Eco-Harvest launch and conducting four years of projects. The speaker, Alana Pacheco, will focus on some of the challenges ESMC has faced in developing and executing projects and solutions to these challenges including opportunities for co-investment. She'll also provide a case study from one specific project in Kansas.
Pacheco will cover how Scope 3 programs, when designed with agriculture in mind, can provide significant opportunities for increased ecosystem services - including reduced greenhouse gas emissions, increase soil carbon sequestration, improved water quality and water use efficiency, and increased biodiversity. These projects can also help producers increase soil health, improve resiliency, and earn income for practice changes.
Hear two exciting presentations during this session!
Benefits of Snow Survey to conservation in the U.S. West - Water conservation efforts in the U.S. West have benefitted from water supply forecasts based on snowpack conditions for over 100 years. This breakout session will focus on the use of NRCS Snow Survey data and reports to inform & support conservation efforts both historically and for the foreseeable future. Speakers will include NRCS Water Supply Specialists employed by the Snow Program as well as water managers from local Conservation Districts to underscore the importance of this partnership.
Engaging Climate Conversations: Helping Planners Navigate Climate Mitigation Strategies - This session explores the powerful role of conservation partnerships in driving climate mitigation and resilience. Through collaboration with USDA, NRCS, and RCDs, participants will learn about the climate change and mitigation projects happening across the U.S. and gain insights on how planners can effectively guide clients in climate mitigation outreach and education. The session will include an interactive segment where participants can share their training needs and hear how to get involved.
Climate-smart opportunities are available in historic numbers, but finding the right producers and matching them with the correct opportunity is challenging. National Pork Board, Ducks Unlimited, and Trust in Food share insights and tangible examples of how data can be used to better understand producers, adapt program design to their unique needs, and accelerate practice uptake. Learn how this methodology can be applied to conservation uptake in your community.
Hear two exciting presentations during this session!
A Case for Utah Agriculture & How the Agricultural Water Optimization Program is Helping - The Agricultural Water Optimization Program has two goals. First, maintain viable agriculture without increasing depletion. Second, enhance water availability and minimize impacts on water supply, water quality and the environment. This discussion will give a case for maintaining viable agriculture in Utah and how doing so can be mutually beneficial to farmers and other environmental interests.
Biochar as a Soil Amendment: Science and Practical Implementation Under NRCS 336 - Soil Carbon Amendment, CPS 336, provides cost share for using amendments to sequester carbon in soil. This session provides training in implementing CPS 336 while learning about biochar and compost.
The Taos Soil and Water Conservation District is empowering community members to play a more active role in the planning and implementation of wildfire risk reduction efforts on federal lands near Taos, New Mexico. This work is training high school students in forestry sciences while delegating oversight of forest thinning efforts to local agricultural producers who are concerned about the wellbeing of the watersheds they rely on and are eager to take action.
Hear two exciting presentations during this session!
"Supporting Staff in Districts: Harnessing Resources for Effective Conservation Outreach" - District staff are crucial for community outreach and conservation efforts. Clare Lindahl, CEO of SWCS, will discuss how we can support conservation professionals using three new resources, including the 2024 Conservation Practitioner Poll and the Conservation Professionals' Guide to Inclusive Conservation Delivery. She'll highlight barriers conservation staff face, motivating opportunities, and how Districts and partners can enhance outreach and foster stronger partnerships for conservation.
New and Innovative Partnerships Reaching Communities Previously Unrecognized or Challenged in our Engagement Efforts - As a contributor to the goals in our Annual Meeting this has been being developed along with NACD staff and Board members since the Annual Meeting in Puerto Rico. Friendships that happen in Agriculture are "organic" by nature. Our combined struggles become natural and the magic happens. Conservation and our abilities to find the answers is what takes place during our coming together in this shared convening, providing answers to our challenges and how to employ newly developed strategies.
