Connection Events

This annual conference provides valuable networking opportunities, forums to discuss current work and new ideas with colleagues, a chance to build technical knowledge, and space to be re-inspired by the passion for conservation across the state. Registration for our 2026 conference will open soon.

Located at the Chula Vista Resort, Wisconsin Dells, WI.

Attendees will learn about best practices for managing and restoring lakeshores. This will be followed by an interactive board game challenge.

Through this engaging and educational activity, attendees will put their newly acquired knowledge to use as they design their ideal shoreline project. Attendees will also listen to several case studies to learn about common lake misconceptions, lake dynamics, and why data collection matters.

Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center
One Civic Center Plaza
Mankato, MN 56001

Attend this two-day educational event to learn practical strategies for land management and how to integrate pasture grazing into your farming operation.

Hosted by the Jo Daviess County Soil & Water Health Coalition, the program features Steve Kenyon of Alberta, Canada, who brings real-world experience from managing more than 3,000 acres of farmland.

Registration is free. Lunch provided, limited space.

Over four, two-day sessions spanning 12 months, participants will gain hands-on experience in both classroom and field settings. Participants will work directly with leading soil health experts to study successful soil health management.

Session dates: Feb 9th and 10th; March 24th and 25th; June 16th and 17th; September 22nd and 23rd.

Full scholarships are available on a limited term basis to new conservation professionals or beginning farmers. Please don't hesitate to inquire about this!

Spaces are limited to the first 35 registered.
Cost: $300 for all sessions. This includes all meals and travel to field days.

Build Farmer Networks for Conservation: A Virtual Train-the-Trainer Workshop for Conservation Professionals

This train-the-trainer workshop is for conservation and watershed professionals who want to increase farmer participation in conservation-related networks and initiatives. You will learn how to deliver a training for farmers called Skills for Building Farmer Networks for Conservation. The workshop will not only increase your capacity and confidence to cultivate farmer leadership in conservation, but also connect you with peers from across the region who share your passion for supporting farmer-led conservation.

Dates: Mondays, May 4th, 11th, and 18th, 2026. Attendance at all three sessions is required.
Time: 11am-1pm CT / 12pm-2pm ET
Place: Zoom
Price: Free. You must be able to commit to all three sessions

Link to register: https://watershedleaders.org/build-farmer-networks-workshop/

Build Farmer Networks for Conservation: A Virtual Train-the-Trainer Workshop for Conservation Professionals

This train-the-trainer workshop is for conservation and watershed professionals who want to increase farmer participation in conservation-related networks and initiatives. You will learn how to deliver a training for farmers called Skills for Building Farmer Networks for Conservation. The workshop will not only increase your capacity and confidence to cultivate farmer leadership in conservation, but also connect you with peers from across the region who share your passion for supporting farmer-led conservation.

Dates: Mondays, May 4th, 11th, and 18th, 2026. Attendance at all three sessions is required.
Time: 11am-1pm CT / 12pm-2pm ET
Place: Zoom
Price: Free. You must be able to commit to all three sessions

Link to register: https://watershedleaders.org/build-farmer-networks-workshop/

Build Farmer Networks for Conservation: A Virtual Train-the-Trainer Workshop for Conservation Professionals

This train-the-trainer workshop is for conservation and watershed professionals who want to increase farmer participation in conservation-related networks and initiatives. You will learn how to deliver a training for farmers called Skills for Building Farmer Networks for Conservation. The workshop will not only increase your capacity and confidence to cultivate farmer leadership in conservation, but also connect you with peers from across the region who share your passion for supporting farmer-led conservation.

Dates: Mondays, May 4th, 11th, and 18th, 2026. Attendance at all three sessions is required.
Time: 11am-1pm CT / 12pm-2pm ET
Place: Zoom
Price: Free. You must be able to commit to all three sessions

Link to register: https://watershedleaders.org/build-farmer-networks-workshop/

Over four, two-day sessions spanning 12 months, participants will gain hands-on experience in both classroom and field settings. Participants will work directly with leading soil health experts to study successful soil health management.

Session dates: Feb 9th and 10th; March 24th and 25th; June 16th and 17th; September 22nd and 23rd.

Full scholarships are available on a limited term basis to new conservation professionals or beginning farmers. Please don't hesitate to inquire about this!

Spaces are limited to the first 35 registered.
Cost: $300 for all sessions. This includes all meals and travel to field days.

This year’s conference theme is:

The Heart of Sustainability: Habitat as the Foundation of Productive Fisheries and takes place in Columbus, Ohio on the banks of the Scioto River. More information on sessions and hotel accommodation’s found on registration page.

Over four, two-day sessions spanning 12 months, participants will gain hands-on experience in both classroom and field settings. Participants will work directly with leading soil health experts to study successful soil health management.

Session dates: Feb 9th and 10th; March 24th and 25th; June 16th and 17th; September 22nd and 23rd.

Full scholarships are available on a limited term basis to new conservation professionals or beginning farmers. Please don't hesitate to inquire about this!

Spaces are limited to the first 35 registered.
Cost: $300 for all sessions. This includes all meals and travel to field days.