Connection Events
Find and share learning opportunities here. Establish peer-to-peer connections on topics that matter most.
Use the form at the bottom of this page to add your event!
Events & More
Rethinking Bank Erosion: Balancing River Processes with Erosion Management Techniques
Wednesday, August 13th, 2025, 1 pm MT
Bank erosion is often perceived as a threat that needs to be controlled, but there is more to consider than initially meets the eye. Rivers are inherently dynamic systems, and healthy rivers need space for channels to shift through time. The National Park Service manages over 220,000 miles of river which are granted unique protections under NPS policies and the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. These protections encourage that natural processes, including bank erosion, be allowed to continue whenever possible. However, plenty of situations will still require some form of bank erosion management.
In this webinar, we’ll explore why bank erosion is a vital part of river health and discuss bank erosion management techniques that align with NPS values to varying degrees.
Iowa DNR Mussel Blitz
Iowa DNR Mussel Blitz
August 18-22, 2025
Cedar River in Iowa
The annual Iowa Mussel Blitz focuses on the upper Cedar River to inventory and map the distribution of Iowa's mussels. Join biologists led by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, volunteers, and many partners to learn more about freshwater mussels habitats and the impact of dams on their population.
To see what Mussel Blitz is like be sure check out the video from 2023!
Accelerating Nature-Based Solutions: Opportunities for the Mississippi River Basin
August 20-21st 11:00 am
Join the UGA Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems and the Walton Family Foundation for a professional education workshop at the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center in Alton, IL on August 20-21st. The workshop- “Accelerating Nature-Based Solutions: Opportunities for the Mississippi River Basin” will help develop fundamental understanding of the what, why, and how of nature-based approaches. Enhance understanding of decision-making and permitting processes for nature-based approaches. Build confidence in integrating nature-based approaches into programs and decisions.
This workshop has no registration cost, but please note that accommodations and travel support are not being offered at this time. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.
Sign up: https://airtable.com/app3XONkueTPFbHuy/pagyVrd8bcREAIE58/form
MN DNR River Health & Restoration Workshop
This workshop teaches the fundamentals of stream function and health by first explaining
the various ways streams are affected by dams. Then we will discuss the different perspectives,
processes, and challenges involved in dam removal or modification projects from
beginning conversations, to permitting, to design and construction.
September 23-25, Fergus Falls, MN
MASWCD Annual Convention
MASWCD Annual Convention
December 1-3, 2025
Bloomington, MN
The Minnesota Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts (MASWCD) invites
you to its Annual Convention where more than 700 SWCD supervisors and
employees, farmers, sportsmen, agency leaders and conservation experts attend. At
the MASWCD convention you will gain access to key decision-makers, establish and
build partnerships, gain credibility, attract top talent and most importantly, support
efforts in conservation.