Because accounting practices and workflows often differ based on accounting software, this breakout session separates participants into QuickBooks and Springbrook Express groups. The format allows for deeper peer discussion, shared problem-solving, and exchange of system-specific tips and best practices. (Intermediate Level)
Field Session - We will carpool to the nearby fish hatchery where Randy will share a tribal perspective on the importance of restoration and why it's so important to remember the long cultural history of the areas where we work. If time allows, we may travel to another nearby area with tribal significance.Fiel (General Audience) (Combined with Riparian Restoration track)
Building and maintaining partnerships are essential when developing educational opportunities for communities. This session will feature four conservation districts sharing their experience building and sustaining collaborations with partners. Speakers will touch on initial outreach, funding, and the evolution of the project. (Entry Level)
This session will explore Carbon Farm Planning, which is a great way to start a conversation with producers about the climate implications of agricultural (or other land management) practices and to give practical steps to manage carbon sequestration and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions on the farm. Participants will learn more about the Carbon Farm Planning Template, how assess existing conditions, and how to provide recommendations for carbon-friendly farming practices. (General Audience)
Karen Hills is the Sustainable Farms and Fields Program Manager for the Washington State Conservation Commission. She holds degrees in Rural Sociology, Soil Science and Crop Science. Karen enjoys working at the interface of science and practice and has over 20 years of combined experience... Read More →
How do we get more people on the land and capable of stewardship for the least cost with a model that can scale? Thurston County includes 180,000 acres of shoreline and buffers around streams, rivers, wetlands and waterbodies, and in lowland Puget Sound we are talking about a 1,000,000-acre land base. The Skykomish Biocultural Restoration Field Station is a 4-year experiment in biocultural restoration, that combines agroforestry, wildcrafting, camping, core habitat sites, and community development. (Intermediate Level)
Join us for a guided field visit to the nearby Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery, where Tribal member Randy Lewis will share his perspective on restoration and the importance of honoring the long cultural history of the landscapes where we work. We will plan to meet in front of the Sleeping Lady and carpool to the site. If time allows, we may also visit another nearby location of Tribal significance. Come prepared for outdoor conditions and don’t forget your water and sunscreen! (Entry Level) (Combined with Design & Implementation track)
This session features a discussion with SAO focused on audit readiness and common audit recommendations, with an opportunity for questions and discussion. (Entry Level)
Field Session - We will carpool to the nearby fish hatchery where Randy will share a tribal perspective on the importance of restoration and why it's so important to remember the long cultural history of the areas where we work. If time allows, we may travel to another nearby area with tribal significance.Fiel (General Audience) (Combined with Riparian Restoration track)
This session shares practical storytelling tools that help conservation districts explain complex work, build trust with communities, and show why conservation matters. (Entry Level)
Explore practical ways to enhance bird habitat and ecosystem resilience on Washington’s working lands. This session will highlight management strategies that support diverse bird communities, improve soil and water health, and promote sustainable agricultural operations. Participants will learn how Conservation Districts can help landowners implement and expand bird-friendly practices that benefit wildlife, livestock, and the landscape. (Expert Level)
Whether you're just hearing about the CWDG federal grant or you're a seasoned applicant, you'll learn about what this grant funds, updates on the most recent application round, and tips and tricks for a strong application. Insight on application scoring and the success of previous applications will also be shared. (Expert Level)
Open discussion about what Databases districts use for Customer tracking. Bring your districts database to show. Andrew will start with showing what WCD has done to update their Customer Database in 2025, to bring all the different program databases into one. (Intermediate Level)
This session will focus on how increasing your emotional intelligence can help build healthy relationships and make you a better leader. This session will provide an overivew of four core competencies and how you can develop these: *Self-awareness and reflection *Self-management and intentional response *Social awareness and empathy *Relationship management (Intermediate Level)
Join us for a guided field visit to the nearby Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery, where Tribal member Randy Lewis will share his perspective on restoration and the importance of honoring the long cultural history of the landscapes where we work. We will plan to meet in front of the Sleeping Lady and carpool to the site. If time allows, we may also visit another nearby location of Tribal significance. Come prepared for outdoor conditions and don’t forget your water and sunscreen! (Entry Level) (Combined with Design & Implementation track)
This closing session brings finance and administrative staff together to reflect on key themes from the conference, share insights and takeaways, and discuss how lessons learned can be applied moving forward. Through facilitated discussion and peer exchange, participants will leave with a clearer understanding of next steps, helpful resources, and strengthened connections across districts. (Entry Level)
Field Session - We will carpool to the nearby fish hatchery where Randy will share a tribal perspective on the importance of restoration and why it's so important to remember the long cultural history of the areas where we work. If time allows, we may travel to another nearby area with tribal significance.Fiel (General Audience) (Combined with Riparian Restoration track)
This session is designed for educators and focuses on effective strategies, resources, and messaging for teaching nonpoint source pollution concepts across grade levels. (Intermediate Level)
PRSFworks to restore marine species, habitats, and water quality in Puget Sound through hands-on projects, scientific research, and partnerships. Its focus includes rebuilding native oyster and kelp populations, restoring eelgrass and shellfish beds, and improving ecosystem resilience to pollution and climate change. (Intermediate Level)
Is your CD prescribed fire curious? In this session you'll learn from an expert panel of speakers in the WA prescribed fire world about opportunities, experiences, resources, and the future of Rx fire. Bring your "burning" questions! (Expert Level)
Join us for a guided field visit to the nearby Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery, where Tribal member Randy Lewis will share his perspective on restoration and the importance of honoring the long cultural history of the landscapes where we work. We will plan to meet in front of the Sleeping Lady and carpool to the site. If time allows, we may also visit another nearby location of Tribal significance. Come prepared for outdoor conditions and don’t forget your water and sunscreen! (Entry Level) (Combined with Design & Implementation track)
