August 9–12, 2026 | Cherokee, North Carolina

Join conservation leaders from across the Southeast for the 2026 NACD Southeast Region Meeting as we explore Conservation 2.0: Honoring Our Past and Securing Our Future. This engaging and forward-looking gathering will celebrate the legacy of conservation while focusing on innovative partnerships, leadership, and solutions that will shape the future of natural resource conservation across our region. Hosted by the North Carolina Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts in partnership with the North Carolina Division of Soil and Water Conservation, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the North Carolina Conservation District Employees Association, this event brings together Conservation District supervisors, staff, and partners to exchange ideas, highlight successful programs, and strengthen regional partnerships. Attendees can expect a robust agenda featuring training opportunities, policy discussions, and updates from state and national leadership, along with opportunities to showcase innovative work happening across the region.

Event Itinerary

Location

777 Casino Drive Cherokee, NC 28719 (Hosted at the Harrah’s Cherokee Resort)

Registration & Tours Information

Early Registration: $380 Early Registration Deadline: July 8, 2026 Standard/Late Registration: $440 * Price includes Sunday Reception, Monday Breakfast & Lunch, Tuesday Breakfast, Lunch (Tours) & Dinner, $20 online processing fee charges automatically at checkout. Tour Registration: $100- $150, depending on tour. Prices include lunch for tour attendees. Tour Selections on Tuesday, August 11, 2026: Conservation and Forestry at Biltmore—$150—Price includes transportation, entrance and tour of the Biltmore House and Gardens, entrance to the winery and lunch. Here you will see the largest privately owned home in the US and learn about the more than 8000-acre farming operation. You will also learn how forestry education got its start here. Conservation Tour on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad—$140— Price includes transportation, lunch and tickets for the 4-hour journey. The train will travel along the old rail along farms and the land of the Cherokee. Traveling through the surrounding mountain watersheds provides a unique perspective on the long-term relationship between natural resource management, forest restoration, recreation, and rural economic development in the southern Appalachians. Much of the land in the area is working lands and is protected for production purposes. Biochar and Stream Restoration—$100— Price includes transportation, lunch and stops at the biochar production site, stream projects done through partnerships and areas where biochar will help remediate soils damaged from Hurricane Helene.

Hotel & Travel Accommodations

Reserve your room online: 👉 https://book.passkey.com/go/soilwater Or call 1-828-497-7777 and use code S08SOIL Conference Rate: $99 per night for Sunday through Wednesday, Saturday night rooms are $159 Reservation Deadline: July 8, 2026 Please note: Rooms are subject to resort fees of $34.99 + taxes. Travel Information: For those traveling by air, the following airports are recommended: Asheville Regional Airport (~1 hour from Cherokee) McGhee Tyson Airport (~2 hours from Cherokee) Charlotte Douglas International Airport (~3 hours from Cherokee) Rental cars are recommended for transportation to and from Cherokee.

Travel & Area Information

Nestled in the mountains of western North Carolina, Cherokee offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Attendees are encouraged to explore the surrounding area: Discover outdoor recreation, scenic landscapes, and cultural experiences in Cherokee Visit nearby Asheville for dining, arts, and local attractions Learn more at Explore Cherokee and Explore Asheville

Additional Information

Full agenda and registration details coming soon
Opportunities for networking, training sessions, and regional collaboration will be offered throughout the event
Please share this information with Conservation District staff, supervisors, and partners in your state or territory

We look forward to welcoming you to Cherokee this August for a meaningful and impactful Southeast Region Meeting. Need help with your registration? Contact Brandy Myers, brandy.myers@ncagr.gov or Bryan Evans, ncaswcd@gmail.com.