Looking for a space to host your meeting, workshop, or activity this summer? The Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS) is offering premium event space in conjunction with our 80th SWCS International Annual Conference, August 3-6, 2025, in Costa Mesa, California. Take advantage of this opportunity to bring your partners and staff together—without the hassle of managing logistics. Let us provide the space while you focus on delivering a great event. View more information. Deadline to secure space is extended to June 2.
Bridging Conservation and Hazard Mitigation Planning: A Workshop for Natural Resource Professionals
Sunday, August 3
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The Environmental Law Institute invites natural resource professionals and community leaders to explore how conservation practices can provide flood mitigation co-benefits and discuss avenues for collaboration between natural resource professionals and hazard mitigation planners. This full-day interactive workshop will provide practical insights on integrating nature-based solutions into local hazard mitigation planning processes.
Through expert panel discussions and small-group sessions, participants will gain an understanding of the local hazard mitigation planning process, real-world examples of special districts (i.e., conservation districts and flood control districts) that work with hazard mitigation planners on nature-based mitigation projects, and resources on conservation solutions that overlap with hazard mitigation planning priorities.
You do not need to have a flood mitigation focus to attend—if your work addresses natural hazard risk or you would like to explore how your conservation efforts could provide risk reduction co-benefits, we welcome your participation.
Whether you are new to hazard mitigation planning or are already engaged in your local hazard mitigation planning processes, this workshop is designed for you. Space is limited, so RSVP today using the following Google Form: https://forms.gle/M7Sv46ELYHYHemM29
More details coming soon. Please contact Jesse Ferraioli at ferraioli@eli.org with any questions.
Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) Showcase
Monday, August 4
10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), in conjunction with SWCS, will host the CIG Showcase at the SWCS Annual Conference. Since 2004, CIG has supported the development of innovative natural resource conservation approaches and technologies on working lands.
This year’s showcase includes an overview of the CIG program and three themed panels. The first panel is an introduction and highlights the variability of the CIG program, the second panel explores innovations in irrigation management, and the last panel covers innovative conservation approaches for soil health.
This showcase runs from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM on Monday, August 4. Following the showcase, CIG project posters will be included in the poster presentation session held in the poster display area of the exhibit hall from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Association of Retired Conservation Service Employees (ARCSE) Annual Meeting
Monday, August 4
1:30 PM - 4:00 PM (This meeting will be held both in person and via Zoom)
ARCSE Annual Business Meeting
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
The annual meeting is open to association members and others interested in learning more about organization. Leadership from NRCS, SWCS, ARCSE, and other organizations will speak on topics involving conservation policy and program direction, project updates and other priority ARCSE interests. The ARCSE awards ceremony will be held during the meeting to honor award recipients for distinguished service, community service and meritorious service.
Conservation and Water Issues in Southern California
3:20 PM - 4:00 PM
Paul Benedict, NRCS Retired Assistant State Conservationist, Field Operations and Arnelis Crespo, NRCS Assistant State Conservationist, Field Operations (invited)
CEAP Showcase
Tuesday, August 5
10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
The Conservation Effects Assessment Project-Watershed Assessment Studies (CEAP-WAS) was initiated in 2003 to quantify the measurable environmental effects of conservation practices and develop the science base for managing agricultural landscapes for environmental quality. CEAP has grown to include 26 active projects including watershed studies assessing conservation practices and implementation and several special projects that include legacy nutrients, ephemeral gully erosion, as well as the development and assessment of conservation tools and models. Please join USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and university CEAP scientists to celebrate 20+ years of CEAP and learn and discuss the many CEAP-WAS assessments conducted across the United States. Contingent upon federal travel authorization, this year’s meeting will take place as a CEAP Showcase within the Annual SWCS meeting on Tuesday, August 5th, and feature three oral sessions and a poster session on Monday, August 4th, and Tuesday, August 5th, with presentations ranging in topics from CEAP Watersheds in CA, Water quality and conservation in CEAP watersheds, and Identifying sediment sources to focus conservation in CEAP watersheds. Please join us in celebrating 20+ years of CEAP!