Agendas 2025

This workshop equips conservation professionals with the knowledge and tools to effectively use soil data in support of best management practice (BMP) planning. Through a combination of classroom instruction and field-based learning, participants will explore how to interpret Web Soil Survey (WSS) data, identify key soil limitations such as drainage and slope, and understand when to consult a soil scientist. Designed for real-world application, this training emphasizes practical decision-making rooted in soil science, helping you plan smarter and more effectively in the field.

This program will start in the conference area and end with the field portion, after lunch. Additional registration and fee required.

Ag in the Classroom (AITC) is a unique educational program that is dedicated to fostering an understanding for the importance of agriculture in North Carolina. Discover how to weave the power of agriculture into everyday PreK-12 lessons in science, math, social studies, and language arts. This workshop consists of indoor AITC activities and two local farm tours: Shelton Farms – one of the oldest continuously operating family farms in western North Carolina, and Walnut Creek Farm – a majestic Scottish Highland Cattle experience. Educators will see ag in action and learn how to use the AITC program to meet the educational needs of their students through NC Standard Course of Study-based agriculture-focused curricula, workshops, grants, and ag literacy books. AITC is affiliated with NC Farm Bureau.

This program will start at a field site and with the afternoon portion being in the conference area. Additional registration and fee required. show less

Kick off CET at this fun and informal reception featuring exhibit tables from NCDA&CS, the DEA, Foundation for Soil and Water, and more. Enjoy snacks, prizes, hands-on activities, and networking bingo while exploring key conservation programs and resources. Visit here for more information.

Included with registration.

Tyler Brown is the President of the National Association of State Conservation Agencies and Program Manager with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. A respected leader in conservation, Tyler brings years of experience supporting local districts, advancing resource management policy, and strengthening partnerships across the Southeast and beyond. For more information about Tyler, visit here.

This year’s breakout sessions feature fast-paced, 20-minute presentations on a variety of timely and relevant topics, including administration, education, leadership, Hurricane Helene recovery, and more. Sessions are led by district and partnership staff who bring firsthand experience, practical tools, and fresh ideas to support your work in conservation. Click here for session descriptions and speakers.

New to the field? Join us for an engaging roundtable lunch designed for conservation professionals with 0–3 years of experience. Connect with seasoned mentors to ask questions and discuss technical, administrative, and outreach topics. Lunch is free for participants—sign up required during registration. Visit here for more information.

Get ready to dive deeper during our 2-hour, hands-on skill-building sessions! These interactive trainings are designed to give you practical experience and real-world tools you can take back to your district. Most sessions will require a laptop, so be sure to bring one with you.

Click here for session descriptions and speakers.

Need help, have questions, or just want to talk through a challenge? Stop by the Mentoring Center for a low-stress, informal space where you can connect one-on-one with experienced mentors. Open for two hours, this drop-in center features mentors representing district staff, Division programs, and key conservation partners—ready to support you with insight, guidance, and encouragement.

Come join us at Oconaluftee Island Park (160 Indian Village Rd.,Cherokee NC 28719) located at US-441 in Cherokee about five minutes away from the hotel.  The park offers shady picnic spots, swimming, tubing, trout fishing, or the pleasant option of simply basking and splashing around with friends and family.  Be sure to pack a lawn chair for comfort, and don’t forget the bug spray to keep those pesky insects at bay.

Google Maps of Oconaluftee Island Park

This interactive session will explore where we’ve been, where we are now, and where we need to go when it comes to disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. The goal: to break down communication barriers and build a more unified, responsive, and proactive approach to disaster work in conservation.

Soil & Water Conservation Districts and partner agencies will kick things off with brief reflections on lessons learned from recent events—but the heart of this session is collaborative problem-solving. We’ll identify what worked, what didn’t, and what support is still needed to respond effectively to future disasters.

Bring your experience, your questions, and your ideas. Together, we’ll strengthen our readiness and resilience.

Time: 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Location: NC Arboretum, Asheville, NC

Hosted by: Lauren Lampley, Adult Education Coordinator

Cost: Free

During this talk and tour, Adult Education Coordinator Lauren Lampley will guide the group around the NC Arboretum to check out a few key locations within our gardens. We will discuss the sustainable landscape practices that the Arboretum uses and how those can be in other places as well as special considerations that staff have had to keep in mind when implementing these designs. Be prepared to walk on both paved and gravel trail surfaces and if the group is able we can walk down to check out Bent Creek to see how streambank restoration work held up post-hurricane Helene flooding.

• Meet at 9:15 AM in front of the Education Center
• Tour begins at 9:30 AM | Ends ~11:30 AM
• 2.5 hours | Free | Paved and gravel walking trails

Homepage – The North Carolina Arboretum

Time: Estimated- 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Location: New Belgium Brewery Asheville- 21 Craven Street Asheville, North Carolina 28806

Cost: TBD

Embark on a journey that flows like the French Broad River itself—starting in the heart of the brewery and winding through thoughtfully restored creek corridors. Begin with an insider’s look at New Belgium’s brewing operations: see grain-to-glass in action as you pass mash tuns, fermenters, and the high-speed bottling line. Learn about the company’s employee-owned ethos and commitment to sustainability over a sample of their world-class beer.

Then, step outside to Craven Street and Penland Creek—where New Belgium partnered with the City of Asheville and RiverLink to transform a former brownfield into a thriving riparian habitat. You’ll visit bio-swales, rain gardens, constructed wetlands, and newly contoured creek banks planted with native vegetation—all designed to treat stormwater, stabilize stream banks, and enhance water quality before it reaches the French Broad River.

Your guide will share the story of uncovering and daylighting Penland Creek—restoring an underground waterway to support wildlife and community resilience—while also pointing out educational signage and sustainable site features like porous parking and rainwater harvesting.

This tour blends craft brewing culture with real-world environmental stewardship—ideal for beer lovers, landscape enthusiasts, and sustainability advocates alike.

Highlights: Brewing process • Penland Creek restoration • Sustainable site design • Possible tasting

New Belgium Brewery Asheville – ASLA Colorado