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Welcome to the 79th Annual Meeting of the National Association of Conservation Districts! 

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Tuesday, February 11
 

7:00am MST

Registration
Tuesday February 11, 2025 7:00am - 6:00pm MST
Tuesday February 11, 2025 7:00am - 6:00pm MST
Regency Foyer (4th)

7:30am MST

National Conservation Showcase and Coffee
Tuesday February 11, 2025 7:30am - 8:45am MST
Tuesday February 11, 2025 7:30am - 8:45am MST
Salt Lake Foyer (2nd)

7:30am MST

Presidents Association Breakfast
Tuesday February 11, 2025 7:30am - 8:45am MST
Please buy your tour ticket when registering for Annual Meeting. Tickets cost $55.  

Enjoy breakfast and networking with members of the Presidents Association and past presidents of state and territory associations.
Tuesday February 11, 2025 7:30am - 8:45am MST
Alta (3rd)

7:30am MST

National Conservation Showcase
Tuesday February 11, 2025 7:30am - 5:00pm MST
Tuesday February 11, 2025 7:30am - 5:00pm MST
Salt Lake Foyer (2nd)

9:00am MST

Agroforestry Breakout and Networking Session: Advancing Agroforestry Through Collaboration
Tuesday February 11, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am MST
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.
Speakers
AM

Annica McGuirk

Forestry Program Manager, NACD
Tuesday February 11, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am MST
Salt Lake D (2nd)

9:00am MST

Soil Health Champions Focus Group: 10 Years and Counting
Tuesday February 11, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am MST
Ten years ago, with the support of the USDA NRCS, NACD launched the Soil Health Champions Network with the goal of implementing soil health practices on more acres through supporting education, outreach, and research. As the Network celebrates this milestone, this focus group aims to source input from Soil Health Champions and partners for the future of the NACD Soil Health Champions Network. While this focus group is open to all attendees, the NACD Soil Health Champions will be the primary audience. Come help guide us into the next decade for soil health!
Speakers
avatar for Beth Mason

Beth Mason

North Central Region Representative, NACD
Tuesday February 11, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am MST
Snowbird (3rd)

9:00am MST

Women in Conservation Meet & Greet
Tuesday February 11, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am MST
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.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Ariel Rivers

Dr. Ariel Rivers

Director of Membership Engagement, NACD
Tuesday February 11, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am MST
Powder Mountain (3rd)

9:00am MST

Going to Ground: Addressing Groundwater Loss Through Partnership
Tuesday February 11, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
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.  
Speakers
MM

Mark Masters

Secretary-Treasurer, NACD
DS

Denise Savageau

Connecticut Association of Conservation Districts
Tuesday February 11, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Salt Lake E (2nd)

9:00am MST

Making Federal Funding Work For You: USDA's Conservation Innovation Grants & EPA's Clean Water Funding
Tuesday February 11, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
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.

This session previously included the following presentation, as well, but stay tuned to NACD's publications for how to attend a virtual session about the program at some point in the future!

Introduction to the Conservation Innovation Grants Program (Presented by Caroline Sherony and Leah Hermens) - 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.
Speakers
AS

Alison Souders

United States Environmental Protection Agency
Tuesday February 11, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Salt Lake B (2nd)

9:00am MST

Managing Invasive Species: Feral Swine & Brome
Tuesday February 11, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Hear two exciting presentations during this session!
  1. 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. 
  2. 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. 
Speakers
JB

Joel Brown

USDA Southwest Climate Hub
Tuesday February 11, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Salt Lake A (2nd)

9:00am MST

NCF Board of Trustees Meeting
Tuesday February 11, 2025 9:00am - 11:00am MST
Tuesday February 11, 2025 9:00am - 11:00am MST
Solitude (3rd)

10:00am MST

Coffee Break
Tuesday February 11, 2025 10:00am - 10:30am MST
Take a break to sip some coffee and chat with friends, convene with coworkers, and meet some new folks!
Tuesday February 11, 2025 10:00am - 10:30am MST
Salt Lake Foyer (2nd)

10:30am MST

CANCELLED: Technical Assistance Accelerator for Conservation
Tuesday February 11, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST
This session has been cancelled, but feel free to join one of the other breakout sessions at this time!
Tuesday February 11, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST
Park City (3rd)

10:30am MST

Conservation District Successes Across the Country
Tuesday February 11, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST
Hear two exciting presentations during this session!
  1. 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. 
  2. 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.
Speakers
RH

Robin Hill

Kona Soil and Water Conservation District
EP

Erica Pangelinan

Southern Guam SWCD
Tuesday February 11, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST
Salt Lake E (2nd)

10:30am MST

Expanding the Conservation Workforce through Internships, Apprecenticeships, and AmeriCorps
Tuesday February 11, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST
Hear three exciting presentations during this session!
  1. 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. 
  2. 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. 
  3. 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.  
Speakers
CG

Cynthia Greb

St. Mary's College of Maryland
GR

Gwen Roth

Hamilton County Conservation District
GD

Garth Davis

Spokane Conservation District (Apprenticeships)
Tuesday February 11, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST
Salt Lake B (2nd)

10:30am MST

Nutrients in Rivers & Watersheds
Tuesday February 11, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST
Hear two exciting presentations during this session!
  1. 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. 
  2. 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. 
Speakers
JM

John McManus

Clermont Soil and Water Conservation District
LC

Lucas Chamberlain

Delta Institute
Tuesday February 11, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST
Salt Lake A (2nd)

10:30am MST

Supporting Urban Ag Growth through ACCD's Urban Soils Program
Tuesday February 11, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST
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. 
Speakers
avatar for Hayly Hoch

Hayly Hoch

Allegheny County Conservation District
Tuesday February 11, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST
Salt Lake D (2nd)

10:45am MST

NACD Auxiliary Tour: Bishops Central Storehouse and Family Search Library
Tuesday February 11, 2025 10:45am - 4:00pm MST
Please join us, as we have the opportunity to learn about the welfare and emergency equipment and food supplies that are used for people all across the world. We will also have time to explore the world's largest Family Search library where you will be assisted to discover your roots and family history. A delicious lunch will be served with views of Salt Lake City.

Cost is $70 a person, with lunch included.

10:45 AM: Meet at the east door of the lobby (next to The Salt Republic restaurant) and board the bus
11:15 AM: Arrival at Welfare Square
12:30 PM: Lunch and golf cart tour at Bishops Central Storehouse
1:30 PM: Leave for Family Search Library
3:50 PM: Travel back to hotel
Tuesday February 11, 2025 10:45am - 4:00pm MST
Offsite

12:30pm MST

NRCS National Leadership Training
Tuesday February 11, 2025 12:30pm - 6:00pm MST
Tuesday February 11, 2025 12:30pm - 6:00pm MST
Salt Lake E (2nd)

1:30pm MST

Accessing Experienced Workers to Aid Conservation Delivery
Tuesday February 11, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MST
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.
Speakers
TF

Tim Forbert

National Experienced Workforce Solutions
Tuesday February 11, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MST
Park City (3rd)

1:30pm MST

Conservation Libraries: Unexpected Partnerships & Seed Libraries
Tuesday February 11, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MST
Hear two exciting presentations during this session!
  1. 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! 
  2. 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.  
Speakers
SA

Sydney Abbott

Lower Platte North Natural Resources District
AG

Abigail Greer

Greenville County Soil and Water Conservation District
Tuesday February 11, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MST
Salt Lake D (2nd)

1:30pm MST

Enhancing Conservation Through Data and Collaboration: Smart Soil Insights and Fish and Wildlife Case Studies
Tuesday February 11, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MST
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.
Tuesday February 11, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MST
Salt Lake A (2nd)

1:30pm MST

When the STARs align: Partnership and program development stories from state level Saving Tomorrow's Agriculture Resources (STAR) Affiliates
Tuesday February 11, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MST
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.
Speakers
JD

Jake Deutmeyer

STAR: Saving Tomorrow's Agriculture Resources
Tuesday February 11, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MST
Salt Lake B (2nd)

1:30pm MST

NACD Board of Directors Meeting
Tuesday February 11, 2025 1:30pm - 3:30pm MST
Tuesday February 11, 2025 1:30pm - 3:30pm MST
Salt Lake C (2nd)

1:30pm MST

TSP Orientation and Conservation Planning Training
Tuesday February 11, 2025 1:30pm - 4:30pm MST
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. A hard copy Certificate of Completion for NRCS-NEDC-000191 will be provided to attendees at the end of the session.
Speakers
AA

Alyson Aquino

Natural Resources Conservation Service
Tuesday February 11, 2025 1:30pm - 4:30pm MST
Aspen (2nd)

2:00pm MST

NCDEA Board Meeting
Tuesday February 11, 2025 2:00pm - 5:00pm MST
A working board meeting, open to all!
Tuesday February 11, 2025 2:00pm - 5:00pm MST
Powder Mountain (3rd)

2:45pm MST

H2Ohio: Navigating the Waters of Opportunity and Challenge
Tuesday February 11, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm MST
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.
Speakers
KS

Kip Studer

Ohio Department of Agriculture
Tuesday February 11, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm MST
Salt Lake B (2nd)

2:45pm MST

Making Scope 3 Work for Agriculture: Lessons Learned from Project Development and Implementation
Tuesday February 11, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm MST
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.

Speakers
AP

Alana Pacheco

Executive Director, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)
Tuesday February 11, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm MST
Park City (3rd)

2:45pm MST

Snow Surveys & Climate Strategies with NRCS
Tuesday February 11, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm MST
Hear two exciting presentations during this session!
  1. 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. 
  2. Engaging Climate Conversations: Helping Planners Navigate Climate 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. 
Speakers
JC

Jordan Clayton

NRCS Snow Survey
KM

Kimber Moreland

USDA-ARS California Climate Hub
Tuesday February 11, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm MST
Salt Lake A (2nd)

2:45pm MST

Using Data to Connect Climate-Smart Opportunity with Action On-the-Ground
Tuesday February 11, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm MST
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.
Speakers
BG

Billy Gascoigne

Director of Agricultural Sustainability & Strategic Partnerships, Ducks Unlimited
BT

Becca Tobin

Trust In Food
Tuesday February 11, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm MST
Salt Lake D (2nd)

4:00pm MST

Agricultural Water Optimization Project & Biochar as a Soil Amendment
Tuesday February 11, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm MST
Hear two exciting presentations during this session!
  1. 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. 
  2. 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.  
Speakers
avatar for Deborah Aller

Deborah Aller

Extension Associate, New York Soil Health - Program Coordinator, School of Integrative Plant Science Soil and Crop Sciences Section
HF

Hannah Freeze

Utah Department of Agriculture & Food
MG

Myles Gray

United States Biochar Initiative
Tuesday February 11, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm MST
Salt Lake B (2nd)

4:00pm MST

Community Led Conservation on Federal Lands: Partnerships That Put Local Needs First
Tuesday February 11, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm MST
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.
Speakers
avatar for J.R. Logan

J.R. Logan

Consulting Watershed Coordinator, Taos Soil & Water Conservation District
Tuesday February 11, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm MST
Salt Lake A (2nd)

4:00pm MST

Innovative Resources for Effective Outreach & Reaching Underserved Communities
Tuesday February 11, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm MST
Hear two exciting presentations during this session!
  1. "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.  
  2. 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.   
Speakers
MS

Michelle Stearn

Sustainability Strategist, Forum for the Future
avatar for Debbie Hughes

Debbie Hughes

Executive Director, New Mexico Association of Conservation Distruct
NMACD Executive Director for 30 years.
CL

Clare Lindahl

Soil and Water Conservation Society
EP

Eugene Pickett

Latino Farmers and Ranchers International, Black Farmers and Ranchers New Mexico Global
Tuesday February 11, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm MST
Salt Lake D (2nd)

4:00pm MST

USDA-NRCS Soil Carbon Monitoring Network
Tuesday February 11, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm MST
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), established the Soil Carbon Monitoring Network (SCMN) in 2024. SCMN establishes locations where field-based information will be collected to assess and track trends related to soil carbon sequestration associated with conservation programs and management practices on cropland, pastureland, and rangeland across the country. Most of the sampling sites for the SCMN are on producer-controlled private lands.

Join the session to learn more about collaboration between NRCS staff, NACD staff, and local conservation districts for this effort. Collaboration will focus on assistance at the field office level to gain producer permission, clear cultural resource requirements, sample sites, and capture management information to complete data collection.
Speakers
Tuesday February 11, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm MST
Park City (3rd)

6:00pm MST

Banquet Happy Hour
Tuesday February 11, 2025 6:00pm - 7:00pm MST
Tuesday February 11, 2025 6:00pm - 7:00pm MST
Regency Foyer (4th)

7:00pm MST

Appreciation Banquet
Tuesday February 11, 2025 7:00pm - 9:00pm MST
This event is included in the cost of full registration.
Celebrate the recipients of awards from the National Conservation District Employees Association (NCDEA), National Conservation Planning Partnership (NCPP), NRCS, and NACD during this plated dinner. See the swearing-in of NACD's Executive Board and officer team.
Speakers
avatar for Kim LaFleur

Kim LaFleur

President, NACD
President Kim LaFleur is the state advisor and program director for the Massachusetts FFA Association and an independent consultant to agricultural organizations and associations. LaFleur has served as president (2007-2010) and vice president (2010-2012) of the Massachusetts Association... Read More →
avatar for Lane Nordlund

Lane Nordlund

Multimedia Farm Broadcaster
Lane Nordlund is a trusted voice in agriculture and rural America. Raised in Central Montana, Nordlund’s deep roots in production agriculture shape his award-winning work as a farm broadcaster. He co-anchors Western Ag Network reports, airing on over 114 radio stations across ten... Read More →
Tuesday February 11, 2025 7:00pm - 9:00pm MST
Regency Ballroom (4th)
 
Wednesday, February 12
 

8:30am MST

NACD Board Meeting
Wednesday February 12, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am MST
Wednesday February 12, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am MST
Salt Lake C (2nd)

9:00am MST

Cultivating Collaboration: Partnering with Conservation Districts and Leveraging the Fieldprint Calculator to Accelerate Conservation Practices in Agriculture
Wednesday February 12, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am MST
This presentation will highlight Field to Market's tools and programs that foster collaboration among supply chain actors, conservation organizations, academia and governments. Dubuque County SWCD will present their collaborative projects with Sand County Foundation and growers in Iowa, which use our Fieldprint Calculator to measure and advance the environmental impacts of conservation practices on agricultural land.
Speakers
avatar for Sydney Mucha

Sydney Mucha

Sustainability Projects Manager, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture
Sydney serves as Field to Market's Sustainability Projects Manager. Prior to joining Field to Market, she worked in the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Division of Soil and Water Conservation for three years, holding two positions - AgWRAP Coordinator... Read More →
avatar for Haleigh Summers

Haleigh Summers

Agricultural Geospatial Data Scientist, Sand County Foundation
Haleigh joined Sand County Foundation in 2023 as the Agricultural Geospatial Data Scientist. She uses soil and water data and geospatial models to quantify the impact of Sand County Foundation’s conservation projects. Haleigh obtained her Ph.D. in Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental... Read More →
TL

Tessa Lightfoot

Field to Market
Wednesday February 12, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am MST
Salt Lake E (2nd)

9:00am MST

Improve Awareness and Increase Event Attendance with Social Media Marketing
Wednesday February 12, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am MST
Learn how Kansas Association of Conservation Districts increased local event attendance and cost share application with social media ads. A portal on KACD website was added for district resources.
Speakers
LM

Laura Munsch

Marketing Angle, LLC
Wednesday February 12, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am MST
Salt Lake D (2nd)

9:00am MST

Indiana County Growing for Good Health Initiative - Using Partnerships to Reach New Audiences
Wednesday February 12, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am MST
The ICCD Growing for Good Health Initiative was launched with a goal of inspiring and empowering our older adult population to prioritize nutrition and health through the benefits of growing and consuming fresh produce. Participants in this workshop will learn how the ICCD was able to utilize non-traditional partnerships to implement a unique specialty crops program to reach an undeserved population in Indiana County.
Speakers
avatar for Blake Mauthe

Blake Mauthe

District Educator, Indiana County Conservation District
DB

Douglas Beri Jr.

Indiana County Conservation District
Wednesday February 12, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am MST
Salt Lake A (2nd)

9:30am MST

Coffee Break and Networking
Wednesday February 12, 2025 9:30am - 10:00am MST
Wednesday February 12, 2025 9:30am - 10:00am MST
Regency Foyer (4th)

10:00am MST

Closing General Session
Wednesday February 12, 2025 10:00am - 11:30am MST
Hear from conservation leaders from the Utah Department of Agriculture, Field to Market, NRCS, and NACD during this closing, plenary session.
Speakers
avatar for Kim LaFleur

Kim LaFleur

President, NACD
President Kim LaFleur is the state advisor and program director for the Massachusetts FFA Association and an independent consultant to agricultural organizations and associations. LaFleur has served as president (2007-2010) and vice president (2010-2012) of the Massachusetts Association... Read More →
avatar for Craig W Buttars

Craig W Buttars

Commissioner, Utah Department of Agriculture and Food
Craig W Buttars has been serving as the Commissioner of the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food since being appointed by Governor Cox in January 2021. Prior to this appointment he served in various local and State appointed and elected positions, including the Utah Farm Bureau... Read More →
MW

Marisa Weinberg

Director, Great Salt Lake Sentinel Landscape
avatar for Carrie Vollmer-Sanders

Carrie Vollmer-Sanders

President, Field to Market
Carrie Vollmer-Sanders serves as Field to Market's President. Vollmer-Sanders is a 6th generation farmer, passionate about collaborating with forward-thinking farmers, convening diverse thought-leaders, and addressing environmental challenges while maintaining focus on business objectives... Read More →
EF

Emily Fife

Utah State Conservationist, NRCS
avatar for Jeremy Peters

Jeremy Peters

CEO, NACD
avatar for Gary Blair

Gary Blair

President Elect, Natural Resources Committee Chair, NACD
Wednesday February 12, 2025 10:00am - 11:30am MST
Regency Foyer (4th)

12:00pm MST

NACD Executive Board Meeting
Wednesday February 12, 2025 12:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Wednesday February 12, 2025 12:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Canyonlands (5th)

12:30pm MST

Great Salt Lake Tour: From Wetlands to Islands, Experience the Changing Landscape
Wednesday February 12, 2025 12:30pm - 4:45pm MST
This tour can accommodate 50 people. Cost is $75 per person. Please buy your tour ticket when registering for Annual Meeting. Adding this to your schedule on Sched will not guarantee you a spot on the tour.

The Great Salt Lake is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere. Its high salinity supports unique ecosystems and serves as a vital habitat for millions of migratory birds. The lake contributes to local industries, moderates the climate, and plays a key role in the region's water cycle. Rich in cultural and historical significance, the Great Salt Lake has shaped local communities for centuries. However, it now faces challenges from shrinking water levels, drought, environmental change, and urban encroachment.

The tour includes the Eccles Wildlife Education Center, where you'll learn more about the lake’s diverse ecosystems and the migratory birds that depend on them, and Antelope Island State Park, home to free-ranging bison, pronghorn, and stunning panoramic views of the lake. These stops offer a perfect blend of education and natural beauty, giving you a deeper understanding of The Great Salt Lake's importance.

The tour will include moderate walking over paved and unpaved surfaces. February weather in Utah is unpredictable. While most of the tour will be on the bus, there are outdoor stops. Bring a coat and consider wearing waterproof shoes to stay comfortable. Drive times may be longer in inclement weather.

Board bus from the east door of the lobby (next to The Salt Republic restaurant).

Wednesday February 12, 2025 12:30pm - 4:45pm MST
Offsite

12:30pm MST

Summit County Tour: Dairy Innovations and Winter Olympic Excitement LIMITED
Wednesday February 12, 2025 12:30pm - 5:00pm MST
This tour can accommodate 50 people. Cost is $75 per person. Please buy your tour ticket when registering for Annual Meeting. Adding this to your schedule on Sched will not guarantee you a spot on the tour.

Discover the diverse attractions of Kimball Junction and Midway in Utah’s Wasatch Back region. As you drive between these destinations, you'll pass by ski resorts and picturesque mountain views. Discover the unique blend of community spirit, natural beauty, and Olympic heritage that defines these two captivating destinations.

The tour includes a visit to Kohler Creamery to explore their innovative automated milking system, enjoy an award-winning cheese tasting, and browse their charming gift shop. Next, dive into the history of winter sports at the Alf Engen Ski Museum in Utah Olympic Park, where you’ll learn about skiing, ski jumping, and snowboarding through interactive exhibits on snow science and weather patterns, with a chance to see athletes training at the Olympic Park.

February weather in Utah is unpredictable. While most of the tour will be on the bus, there are outdoor stops. Bring a coat and consider wearing waterproof shoes to stay comfortable. Drive times may be longer in inclement weather. February weather in Utah is unpredictable. While most of the tour will be on the bus, there are outdoor stops, so be sure to bring a coat and consider wearing waterproof shoes to stay comfortable.

Board bus from the east door of the lobby (next to The Salt Republic restaurant). 

Wednesday February 12, 2025 12:30pm - 5:00pm MST
Offsite

12:30pm MST

Urban Agriculture LIMITED
Wednesday February 12, 2025 12:30pm - 5:00pm MST
This tour can accommodate 50 people. Cost is $75 per person. Please buy your tour ticket when registering for Annual Meeting. Adding this to your schedule on Sched will not guarantee you a spot on the tour.

Experience the innovative spirit of urban farming in Salt Lake County. Once a major agricultural hub, the area has transformed significantly due to urbanization. Discover how two farms are advancing urban agriculture and sustainability through creative solutions and community engagement.

This tour stops at Wasatch Community Gardens, where urban spaces are transformed into vibrant green areas promoting local food production, education, and community engagement, and Wheeler Farm, a historic working farm with an activity barn, historic outbuildings, agritourism, and opportunities to sample local food. The local conservation district is proud to partner with both farms, showcasing their profound impact on the community.

The tour will include moderate walking over paved and unpaved surfaces. February weather in Utah is unpredictable. While most of the tour will be on the bus, there are outdoor stops. Bring a coat and consider wearing waterproof shoes to stay comfortable. Drive times may be longer in inclement weather.


Board bus from the east door of the lobby (next to The Salt Republic restaurant). 

Wednesday February 12, 2025 12:30pm - 5:00pm MST
Offsite

1:00pm MST

ACED Board Meeting LIMITED
Wednesday February 12, 2025 1:00pm - 3:00pm MST
Meeting of the Association of Conservation Executive Directors (ACED) board members.
Wednesday February 12, 2025 1:00pm - 3:00pm MST
Park City (3rd)

1:00pm MST

National Conservation Planning Partnership (NCPP) Leadership Team Meeting
Wednesday February 12, 2025 1:00pm - 5:00pm MST
Wednesday February 12, 2025 1:00pm - 5:00pm MST
Traverse (4th)
 
Thursday, February 13
 

8:00am MST

National Conservation Planning Partnership (NCPP) Co-Chair Meeting
Thursday February 13, 2025 8:00am - 4:00pm MST
Thursday February 13, 2025 8:00am - 4:00pm MST
Traverse (4th)
 
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