Skill Building Posts

North Carolina’s Climate: Past, Present, and Future

Have you ever wondered how climate data was collected before the use of thermometers? Come find out in this interactive lesson presented by Allison Whitaker with the State Climate Office of NC. She will share our North Carolina climate report and then lead into a hands-on lesson on palaeoclimatology where we will learn how to use tree rings for the collection of climate data. This is a great resource to use for 7th grade classes and to gain more knowledge for the Project WET Climate, Water and Resilience lessons.

Topographic Maps & Watershed Delineation Basics: A Hands-On Guide

Ever wondered what all those squiggly lines on a topo map actually mean? This hands-on session will walk you through the fundamentals of reading topographic maps and delineating watersheds — essential skills for proper BMP design and effective conservation planning. After a brief overview, you’ll put theory into practice by delineating a watershed yourself. Come sharpen your skills and leave with practical knowledge you can use in the field.

Smarter Budgeting: Excel & AI Tools for SWCD Success

Take control of your district’s budget with confidence! This hands-on session will walk participants through smart, practical uses of Microsoft Excel for Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) budgeting. We’ll cover tips, templates, and formulas that help reduce common errors, improve accuracy, and make budget preparation less stressful.

You’ll also get an introduction to using AI tools (like ChatGPT) to support budget-related tasks—such as formula generation, forecasting, creating budget narratives, and automating repetitive tasks.

Advanced RUSLE2 Workshop

Take your RUSLE2 skills to the next level in this interactive, computer-based workshop led by Josh Vetter with the NC Division of Soil and Water Conservation. This session is designed for conservation professionals who already have a working knowledge of RUSLE2 and are ready to dive deeper into advanced functions, troubleshooting, and practical applications in real-world conservation planning.

Participants will work through scenarios, explore advanced model settings, learn how to create and manipulate custom managements and develop RUSLE2 reports and plans. A laptop with RUSLE2 pre-installed is required to fully participate in the session.

Note: This workshop is best suited for individuals who have completed basic RUSLE2 training or have equivalent field experience.