Webinars

SWCS hosts educational webinars to provide conservation professionals the latest in research, practice, and policy, as well as professional development opportunities.

Current Series

Strategies for conservation professionals shaping the future.

Past Series

Connect with speakers, gain exposure to conservation organizations, and develop your professional skill set.

Simplify your approach to managing edge-of-field practices with actionable tips and ready-to-use tools.

✨SWCS Members Only

A webinar series presenting hot topics related to conservation science, practices, and policy.

✨SWCS Members Only

Read (or re-read) Leopold’s classic work like an actual almanac—one chapter per month in the company of other SWCS members.

✨SWCS Members Only

Explore the adoption of conservation drainage across disciplines, regions, and landscapes.

Have all of your questions about farming answered.

Conservation Voices: Strategies for Professionals Shaping the Future

SWCS launched a new webinar series in 2025, “Conservation Voices: Strategies for Professionals Shaping the Future.” This series is designed to equip those working in conservation with practical tools to tackle challenges in the field. Each session takes a problem-solving approach, exploring a pressing issue to deliver actionable insights for overcoming obstacles, achieving conservation goals, and advancing your work—all while staying connected to a supportive community!

This 11-part series is held on the last Tuesday of each month from 1 to 2 p.m. CT.

Registration Details:

SWCS Members: Free (must be active)
Nonmembers: $15 per session

Access Past Sessions ✨SWCS Members Only

Student Professional Development Series

SWCS partnered with MANRRS to deliver Season 4 of our Student Professional Development Series, a 6-part career development workshop for students and early career professionals planning their futures.
The live series has concluded, but all sessions are now available to watch anytime. Sessions build on each other, but you can view them in any order.

Learn More Access Past Sessions

Batch and BUILT! Helping Farmers Manage Their Edge-of-Field Practices

This specialty webinar helps you simplify your approach to managing edge-of-field practices with actionable tips and ready-to-use tools. Edge-of-field practices are essential for nutrient removal and water quality. With the right management strategies, you can ensure these systems perform optimally, benefiting both farmers and the environment.

Hosted by SWCS, the Agriculture Drainage Management Coalition (ADMC), and Christopher Hay Consulting, this is your chance to learn from top experts in the field, connect with peers, and walk away with tools you can apply right away.

Access Webinar ✨SWCS Members Only

Conservation Matters

Organized with the support of the SWCS Science and Policy Committee, this series is an opportunity to present hot topics related to science, practices, and policy to the membership of the Society.

Session Topics:

Leveraging Carbon Markets to Encourage Conservation Adoption
Investing in People to Improve Watersheds
The Role of Nutrient and Water Management in Climate-Smart Soil and Water Conservation
The Role of Climate-Smart Agriculture in Conservation
Policy Process and Problem Framing for State Nutrient Reduction Strategies in the US Upper Mississippi River Basin
Climate Change Impacts on Soil and Water Conservation
Leveraging Multi-Agency Partnerships to Advance Conservation Planning

Access Past Sessions ✨SWCS Members Only

SWCS Book Club: A Year with Aldo Leopold

Read (or re-read) Leopold’s classic work like an actual almanac—one chapter per month in the company of other SWCS members!

Each month, members met to

Recap the monthly reading and share reactions
Explore Leopold’s experiences at the shack that shaped his writing
Discuss what Leopold’s work means for us today

Contact events@swcs.org if you’re interested in participating in another virtual book club.

✨SWCS Members Only

Lessons from Leaders: Accelerating the Adoption of Conservation Drainage Webinar Series

This webinar series explores the adoption of conservation drainage across disciplines, regions, and landscapes. Leading stakeholders share unique perspectives, engage in dialogue, and generate a set of recommendations to be used to advance conservation drainage adoption locally and nationally.

Sessions include:

Access to farmer adopters and leading influencers across sectors and states to gain an understanding of their perspectives and experiences, including exclusive Q&A sessions and the wrap-up virtual dialogue
A broader understanding of the benefits of conservation drainage to various stakeholder audiences
An opportunity to expand your network of contacts who are working to accelerate the adoption of conservation drainage
The most up-to-date information, resources, and tools being used
A set of recommendations for encouraging conservation drainage adoption locally and nationally
Ability to earn Continuing Education Credits (CEUs)
A series completion certificate upon request

This series is hosted by SWCS and Agriculture Drainage Management Coalition (ADMC), with support from the Conservation Drainage Network’s Growth Committee (CDN).

Access Past Sessions ✨SWCS Members Only

What the Farm Is Going On Out There?

Join SWCS CEO Clare Lindahl and SWCS member and Minnesota Soil Health Coalition Executive Director Mark Gutierrez for a virtual dialogue with a farmer where conservation professionals can get ALL their questions about farming answered.

Many conservation professionals didn’t grow up on a farm or are new to positions. It can be hard to ask questions in the field without feeling like you’re losing credibility. This session is designed to be an open, judgment-free space to ask what you’ve always wanted to know and build confidence in having conversations and building relationships with farmers.

Watch webinar