Interactive Sessions
Wednesday, August 13
Charting the Path: Focus Group on Individual Development Plans for SWCD Staff
This interactive session invites both new and experienced Soil and Water Conservation District staff—technical and administrative alike—to collaborate on improving the Individual Development Plans (IDPs) used to guide early career growth. These IDPs outline skill sets, training goals, and performance expectations tailored to each role. Your feedback will help refine these tools into practical, up-to-date resources that empower new employees and strengthen district capacity across North Carolina. Join the conversation and help shape the future of professional development for our conservation workforce.
Ready, Set, SWAT! Bringing Soil, Water & Agriculture Lessons to Life
We’ve introduced the Project SWAT curriculum—now it’s time to put it into action! This hands-on workshop will walk you through ready-to-use lessons that can be integrated into your educational programs right away. Participants will also have the opportunity to provide feedback, share ideas, and help shape the future of this impactful training resource.
Beyond Easements: Farmland Preservation in Practice
Most of us know what a conservation easement is—now it’s time to go deeper. This 1.5-hour interactive discussion-based session will explore how farmland preservation programs really work, how districts can get more involved, and how to connect preservation with long-term community resilience. Bring your questions, challenges, and ideas for a practical, forward-thinking conversation.
The Birds, the Bees and the BMPs: Why Wildlife Needs Your Plans
Wildlife doesn’t recognize property lines — and that makes farms and forests vital to their survival. This interactive session explores how Soil and Water Conservation Districts can integrate wildlife habitat needs into conservation planning, build strategic partnerships, and support landowners in managing working lands that benefit both agriculture and native species. Come ready to learn, laugh, and strategize for a more connected landscape.