Come revitalize your mind and body with slow-flow yoga. Start your day strong with these simple yoga stretches that will serve you all day. Bring a mat!!! or something to stretch on.
The Finance and Admin Track emphasizes engagement, connection, and shared learning, beginning with an interactive icebreaker to foster participation and connection. (General Audience)
DariTech is a manufacturer and supplier of advanced dairy equipment systems based out of Lynden, Washington. This session will focus on innovation in dairy technology equipment and highlight recent projects from around the state. (Intermediate Level)
Participants will explore how coordinated partnerships and place-based learning opportunities can help students understand local career options and navigate pathways into agriculture and natural resource professions. (Intermediate Level)
We test production of new (to us) crops to expand market opportunities and profitability for farmers. Testing starts with variety selection for our environment, and we assess for total and marketable yield, pest issues, eating quality, and market opportunities. (Intermediate Level)
In partnership with Cascadia CD and DNR's post-fire recovery program, we'll visit some burned areas to look at and discuss post-fire effects at different burn severity levels. We will discuss post-fire hazards, assessments, and some potential mitigations. We'll practice assessments of tree damage, erosion potential, and soil burn severity. We'll also look at how prescribed fire and other interventions alter the trajectory of a burned landscape. (Intermediate Level)
Participants take a brief personality style profile and learn about their type as well as other peoples’ types. Each personality type is explored- the positives and potential challenges of those types-noting that each personality style is awesome. (Entry Level)
Hear from Spokane and Palouse CDs about their monitoring programs. With the variety of benefits provided by riparian restoration, Spokane CD is employing multiple methods and metrics for monitoring the individual and cumulative effects of buffers. Many of these are adapting as lessons are learned. For the second year in a row, Palouse Conservation District is partnering with Pine Creek Conservation District to continue a bird acoustic monitoring project using autonomous recording units (ARUs). We are evaluating how streamside restoration projects influence local bird communities, as one indicator of successful riparian enhancement. Detections are identified using BirdNET, a program developed by Cornell University’s Bioacoustics Lab that identifies species based on their vocalizations. (Intermediate Level)
Join this collaborative forum facilitated by the Office of the Washington State Auditor (SAO). A local government financial operations expert from the Center for Government Innovation, a service of SAO, will answer your questions about internal controls while you learn about resources and best practices that help you build safeguards to protect your organization from common fraud risks. (Entry Level)
An introductory discussion about sediment transport modeling. For which type of projects should sediment transport modeling be included in project design work? What data inputs are needed? Which tools are available for modeling sediment transport? (Intermediate Level)
Short form video has risen in popularity on social media platforms in recent years. It opens up an opportunity to connect with new audiences, share our stories, and build trust in our communities. Three conservation district staff members will share flash presentations on how they have been using short-form video, editing strategies, increasing efficiency, and incorporating humor in communication. (Intermediate Level)
The outdoors are for everyone and we can support multilingual learners in engaging in natural phenomena and science learning through strategies that welcome their language, cultural perspectives, and knowledge. This session will highlight some strategies for supporting multilingual learners in English language acquisition as well as their home language use (Entry Level)
This session will introduce vermifiltration as an accessible, nature-based water treatment approach with practical applications relevant to conservation districts, resource planners, and field professionals. The presentation will provide an overview of vermifiltration fundamentals, including system components, earthworm-microbe interactions, and how design and operating conditions influence treatment performance._x000D_ Real-world examples will be used to illustrate how vermifiltration has been implemented to improve water quality in agricultural, small community, and decentralized treatment contexts. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of where vermifiltration is most effective, key considerations for implementation and monitoring, and lessons learned from applied projects. The session will conclude with discussion of how vermifiltration can be integrated into broader watershed planning and conservation strategies as a complementary tool for improving local water quality. (Intermediate Level)
In partnership with Cascadia CD and DNR's post-fire recovery program, we'll visit some burned areas to look at and discuss post-fire effects at different burn severity levels. We will discuss post-fire hazards, assessments, and some potential mitigations. We'll practice assessments of tree damage, erosion potential, and soil burn severity. We'll also look at how prescribed fire and other interventions alter the trajectory of a burned landscape. (Intermediate Level)
Demonstration of using Arcade, model builder, scheduling code to run, using python in Pro, Jupyter Notebooks, and a script to backup your AGOL Org. (Intermediate Level)
Working with folks with same, similar, and/or quite different styles is discussed, as well as ways to better work with all personality types. (Entry Level)
An in-depth introduction to the life cycle requirements of cottonwood, why they're so important, and the lessons we can learn through restoration. (Intermediate Level)
This session will focus on fiscal year close-out, including key review items, highlights of important updates from fiscal staff, and dedicated time for questions from district staff. (Entry Level)
Casey provides technical assistance to project sponsors prior to application submittal. He completes design review and approval for projects that are awarded for funding. He also serves a regulatory role as a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) permitting biologist. Casey will discuss his approach to project review and tips for how to work through the design review process for fish passage projects. (Entry Level)
Join grant reviews and practitioners to learn what they look for in grant proposals. Panelists will cover common mistakes seen, what makes a strong, persuasive proposal, and tips for building strong narratives. (Intermediate Level) (Combined with Management & Leadership track)
This session offers an interactive look inside the USDA-NRCS Soil Health Trailer, a mobile classroom designed to bring soil science to life through hands-on demonstrations and visual learning tools. Participants will be guided through a series of exhibits that illustrate key soil health principles, including water infiltration, erosion control, aggregate stability, and the role of living roots, cover crops, and residue in protecting soil resources. (Intermediate Level) (Combined with Farms & Fields track)
This session offers an interactive look inside the USDA-NRCS Soil Health Trailer, a mobile classroom designed to bring soil science to life through hands-on demonstrations and visual learning tools. Participants will be guided through a series of exhibits that illustrate key soil health principles, including water infiltration, erosion control, aggregate stability, and the role of living roots, cover crops, and residue in protecting soil resources. (General Audience) (Combined with Education, Communication & Outreach track)
In partnership with Cascadia CD and DNR's post-fire recovery program, we'll visit some burned areas to look at and discuss post-fire effects at different burn severity levels. We will discuss post-fire hazards, assessments, and some potential mitigations. We'll practice assessments of tree damage, erosion potential, and soil burn severity. We'll also look at how prescribed fire and other interventions alter the trajectory of a burned landscape. (Intermediate Level)
Learn how Google Earth Engine (GEE) can revolutionize the creation of GIS layers and maps for conservation work. We will explore current challenges with spatial data and explain why GEE was created (2010) to address these issues. This presentation will showcase example projects to demonstrate GEE’s utility and offer a behind-the-scenes look at how it works. Some of the projects will also highlight its application for conservation programs like the Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP). Join us for an introduction into the creative world of GEE. (Intermediate Level)
Join grant reviews and practitioners to learn what they look for in grant proposals. Panelists will cover common mistakes seen, what makes a strong, persuasive proposal, and tips for building strong narratives. (Intermediate Level) (Combined with Education, Communication & Outreach track)
An overview of common weeds found in riparian areas on both the West and the East sides of the state along with ideas for effective control in restoration plantings. (Entry Level)
This joint session brings together SCC fiscal staff, district fiscal staff, and technicians to review cost share fundamentals, key requirements from the SCC Grant Manual and program guidelines, and the processes needed to ensure timely and accurate payment. (Intermediate Level)
The Family Forest Fish Passage Program (FFFPP) assists private forestland owners in removing culverts and other stream crossing structures that keep trout, salmon, and other fish from reaching upstream habitat. The program has specific eligibility requirements and a project waiting list. Learn how to identify projects that might qualify for this program. (General Audience)
Ecosystem recovery planners, managers, and scholars are increasingly recognizing the importance of understanding the human communities within which we work to improve and scale recovery outcomes. This session will discuss drivers for restoration program success and alignment of recovery actions and outcomes between ecosystem recovery professionals and the communities impacted by their work. The first presentation will introduce a framework to understand drivers of behavior and the design of effective behavior change interventions. Next, we will present on new research of how the structure of landowner incentive programs influences private landowner willingness to participate and support habitat restoration. This work will provide insight on how program design can enable effective incentive programs. And finally, we will present on ongoing research on community members’ priorities for floodplain restoration outcomes and if project manager messaging to communities reflects those priorities. This work will offer guidance on what social and ecological outcomes managers can highlight to enhance residents’ perceptions of restoration project success. (Intermediate Level) (Combined with Riparian Restoration track)
Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest have long shaped their environments through sophisticated ecosystem management practices. Practices such as prescribed burning, transplanting, and tending of "wild" perennial food plants have created a patchwork of cultural ecosystems, including forest gardens—unique species-rich habitats that now occur near former village sites. Long term community-guided work with Canadian First Nations, U.S. Tribal Nations, archaeologists, and historical ecologists has led to the re-identification of these sites. This talk presents new archaeological and ecological data from forest gardens in Nuu-chah-nulth, Ts’msyen, and Salish territories, showing that Indigenous land-use legacies have had long-term effects on plant community composition and functional trait diversity. These findings challenge narrow definitions of agriculture and demonstrate how Indigenous stewardship continues to sustain biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. They also carry implications for the ecocultural restoration revitalization of community relationships with these landscapes. (Entry Level)
Introduction and functional demo of the new Living Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) tool. An online, GIS based tool for developing CWPP documents and tracking projects and changes in conditions in real time. The tool is easy to use, even for non-GIS experts, is being hosted by Washington DNR and being made available to entities that develop CWPP’s statewide. (Intermediate Level) (Combined with IT/GIS track)
Introduction and functional demo of the new Living Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) tool. An online, GIS based tool for developing CWPP documents and tracking projects and changes in conditions in real time. The tool is easy to use, even for non-GIS experts, is being hosted by Washington DNR and being made available to entities that develop CWPP’s statewide. (General Audience) (Combined with Forestry track)
Working with legislators and other elected officials is not a one-time experience. It requiresongoing outreach and engagement to build strong, lasting relationships. This session will focus on strategies for working with your elected officials to keep them interested and engaged in your district’s top priorities. We’ll discuss strategies for building relationships, crafting your message, hosting tours, and building regular engagement with elected officials into your work as a district.(Expert Level)
Ecosystem recovery planners, managers, and scholars are increasingly recognizing the importance of understanding the human communities within which we work to improve and scale recovery outcomes. This session will discuss drivers for restoration program success and alignment of recovery actions and outcomes between ecosystem recovery professionals and the communities impacted by their work. The first presentation will introduce a framework to understand drivers of behavior and the design of effective behavior change interventions. Next, we will present on new research of how the structure of landowner incentive programs influences private landowner willingness to participate and support habitat restoration. This work will provide insight on how program design can enable effective incentive programs. And finally, we will present on ongoing research on community members’ priorities for floodplain restoration outcomes and if project manager messaging to communities reflects those priorities. This work will offer guidance on what social and ecological outcomes managers can highlight to enhance residents’ perceptions of restoration project success. (Entry Level) (Combined with Education, Communication & Outreach track)
This open forum brings finance and administrative staff together for facilitated roundtable discussions focused on shared learning and peer connection. Participants will have the opportunity to debrief sessions from the day, ask questions, share experiences, and discuss common challenges in a collaborative and supportive setting. (General Audience)
Major flooding impacted western Washington and the eastern Cascades in December 2025, leading to numerous washouts and landslides. Several stream gauges recorded new record-high river levels. Jacob will discuss the atmospheric river precipitation event and other underlying causes of the flooding. We will discuss how the precipitation event and flood levels compare to past events and what to expect moving forward within the context of climate change. (Intermediate Level)
Over half a million people in Washington State speak Spanish as their first language. How do we effectively engage and serve these community members? This session will have two presentations focused on culturally relevant and effective communication with Spanish speaking community, including resources and best practices. Learn how to optimize outreach to the Spanish-speaking community and the key considerations. (Intermediate Level)
Jadey and Adam from the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) will demo a suite of decision support tools developed through the Washington Soil Health Initiative. The talk will highlight practical, field-ready resources such as Dirt Data Reports and a growing set of nutrient management tools, including the Deep Soil Sampling Visualization. These tools are designed to support data-informed conservation planning and producer engagement, and ultimately, to save your conservation district (CD) time and money by automating and optimizing workflows.
The second half of the session will shift to a facilitated planning session for what WSDA should build next. Participants are encouraged to come prepared with ideas for CD workflows that could be automated, data gaps that hinder their work, or new tools that would help CDs more effectively reach producers and implement conservation practices on the ground. (Intermediate Level)
The presentation will introduce the NRCS Interim Conservation Practice Standard 825 - Cultural Plantings for Soil Health. It will cover the development of interim practices, the implementation of Standard 825, and examples of its application. The topic will build on the previous talk, linking forest gardens and cultural landscapes with the planting of various culturally relevant plants that improve soil health and provide other ecological benefits. This presentation is designed for an intermediate level audience. (Intermediate Level)
Open discussion on what districts use for collecting data in the field. Hareware, software, processes, or even pen & paper. Bring examples and your questions about what your district might need for a project. (General Audience)
Join us for a panel discussion about digital accessibility and the new requirements for conservation districts that will start April 2027. During this session we will discuss the “why” behind these updates and aim to answer questions from districts and provide resources to help districts to help foster their accessibility work at home. Paige DeChambeau, SCC’s communications director will MC the event. Please send any questions you would like the panel to discuss to her at [email protected]. (General Audience)
An introduction and overview of permitting requirements through the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Q&A will follow (Intermediate Level) (Combined with Design & Implementation track)
The State Conservation Commission (SCC) directed SCC staff to begin rulemaking related to conservation district (CD) elections – WAC Chapter 135-110. This presentation will explain why SCC took this action, the rulemaking process, the scope of the changes being considered, how conservation districts can participate in the process, and how this will impact the administration of conservation district elections.
In autumn of 2025, Underwood Conservation District (UCD) was implementing Phase 2 of a Western Pond Turtle project when an artifact was inadvertantly discovered during pond excavation. Work was stopped immediately and the artifact was determined to be a pre-contact lithic material (a ground basalt mortar weighing about 15 pounds). Further ground disturbing work is currently on hold during ongoing consultation between UCD and federal, state and tribal archaeologists. Kim will discuss the implications of a finding during project construction, using the ongoing Pond Turtle project as a real-time example. Bonus: the discovered item will be available for viewing at the presentation. (Entry Level)
Engage in lessons taught by fellow CD staff and take curriculum back to your community. Presenters will briefly demonstrate lessons they lead with students and share how they can be adapted for age levels and different setting. Leave with curriculum and ready-to-use lessons for your own programs (Entry Level)
(Virtual) Discover innovative, non-toxic, chore-efficient solutions for mud management, insect and rodent control, odor management, water conservation, weed control, and more! See examples of native plant hedgerows used as dust barriers/neighbor screens for outdoor arenas, pollinator hedgerows for landscaping, owl boxes for rodent control, least-toxic weed control, outdoor wash rack designs with pervious surfaces, odor control options... and so much more! Begin a sustainable approach and reduce chemical use while making your property healthier for your horses, you, and the great outdoors! (Entry Level)
Many landowners are interested in growing a diverse forest, not just a monoculture. This talk will provide you with helpful guidelines and tips for choosing and combining timber species, along with management considerations when planting them. We will review current science on mixed species stand management. Participants will also take part in a group exercise on species selection and learn about techniques that support healthy mixed forests. (Expert Level)
Get to know your fellow Riparian practitioners and follow up with the afternoon's speakers with semi- structured break out groups. A number of our WADE speakers will be joining us for break out sessions to allow for more informal discussions. (Entry Level)
