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)
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)
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)
