April 29, 2025, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (US Central)
Doubling Down on Conservation During Times of Change
with Bruce Knight and Leonard Jordan
The Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS) was formed by the first chief of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Hugh Hammond Bennett. For April’s webinar, we will be joined by Bruce Knight and Leonard Jordan, former chiefs and former and current SWCS National Board Members.
During this session, Bruce and Leonard will share perspectives on past evolutions and changes within the agency and the conservation movement. They will share tips and tactics they used for dealing with transition. They will also share their vision for the future of conservation.
What You’ll Leave With
- A historical perspective on changes within the conservation industry and field over time
- Tips and tactics for leading during transitions and times of change
- Ideas for how we can move forward together for the future of conservation
Speaker Information
Bruce Knight is a nationally recognized expert on conservation, agriculture, and the environment. As principal and founder of Strategic Conservation Solutions, LLC, a consultancy focused on conservation and sustainability issues related to agriculture, Bruce delivers common sense strategies, advice, and direction to move clients forward in this space. He provides a unique perspective on the future of conservation policies, drawing on his experience as a former association executive, lobbyist, regulator, Capitol Hill staffer, and a third-generation South Dakota rancher and farmer.
Previously, Bruce served in the George W. Bush administration as Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs at the USDA from 2006 to 2009. From 2002 to 2006, he served as chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the lead USDA agency for conservation on private working agricultural lands. Under his leadership, Bruce provided the strategic vision for the development, implementation, and management of the largest expansion of working lands conservation programs in the agency's history.
Leonard Jordan is an enthusiastic and passionate conservationist. Leonard retired from USDA NRCS after a 43 years career and has served in a number of positions, from conservation technician to the office of the chief. He worked in all of NRCS's administrative regions and served as state conservationist in Washington State and Georgia. After leaving Georgia in January 2005, Leonard spent the remaining 13 years of his career in the National Headquarters in Washington, DC.
Leonard has been a member of SWCS since 1979 and has attended an impressive 20 SWCS annual conferences in a row. He is presently an Executive Board Member of SWCS.
In 2019, Leonard started LJ Conservation Matters. He is also a co-founder of Climate Smart Environmental Consulting since 2023. He and his wife, Altregia, reside in Douglasville, Georgia.
Cost
- Free for SWCS members
- $15 for nonmembers
Bonus: Need CEU credits? A certificate of attendance will be provided upon request. Email events@swcs.org after the webinar.