(Ankeny, Iowa – April 23, 2025) The Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS) 80th International Annual Conference, taking place August 3–6, 2025, in Costa Mesa, California, will unite a diverse, multigenerational community of researchers, practitioners, industry leaders, farmers, and students from around the world. The conference will highlight the latest technologies, practices, and ideas in conservation, while fostering meaningful dialogue around their adoption and real-world application.
Last year, SWCS held its annual conference in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; this year, the event is coming to the West Coast—reinforcing SWCS’s commitment to nationwide conservation efforts with the theme Conservation Coast to Coast. This theme keeps critical conservation priorities at the forefront, spanning regions and perspectives from across the country and around the world.
Attendees of the 2025 conference will share successes and embrace lessons learned to advance natural resource goals with greater speed, efficiency, and effectiveness. Together, participants will explore the capacity, innovation, and partnerships needed to restore and sustain our land, water, and other vital natural resources.
To deepen these discussions, this year’s keynote speaker, Peter Byck, offers a cinematic perspective on conservation. A filmmaker and professor at Arizona State University, Byck is the creator of Roots So Deep (You Can See the Devil Down There), a groundbreaking docuseries featured on CNN and other major media outlets, showcasing the power of regenerative agriculture.
Not only is Byck elevating the story of conservation through film, but he is also inspiring the next generation of storytellers. As a professor, he mentors young filmmakers, teaching them how to capture and share the transformative impact of regenerative farming.
Attend the keynote lecture on August 4 to explore how conservation can take center stage in mainstream media. Be inspired by Byck’s journey, his vision for the future of agriculture, and the role we all play in shaping the narrative of conservation.
Additional sessions to look forward to:
- As the vineyard manager at Wilson Creek Winery and an educator, Greg Pennyroyal will kickoff the conference on Sunday during the Local Forum and Flavor reception by exploring the vital role of viticulture in California’s agricultural economy and conservation efforts. From soil health to water management, winemaking is more than an art—it’s a science influenced by the land and community. Attendees will have an opportunity to network with one another and take part in outdoor activities during this time as well.
- The Tuesday Opening Remarks and Plenary Session will bring together two distinguished agricultural leaders, Karen Ross, Secretary, California Department of Food and Agriculture, and Matthew Lohr, Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, Virginia Governor’s Office, for a dynamic Coast to Coast Chat—a conversation that highlights the variety of conservation challenges and opportunities from one coast to the other. The session will conclude with addresses from USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) leadership.
In addition to hearing from leaders in conservation, cutting-edge research and practice developments in soil health, water quality, and resource management will be shared through various workshops, sessions, symposia, tours, exhibits, and demonstrations.
To learn more about activities at the SWCS International Annual Conference or to register, visit www.swcs.org/25AC. Early bird registration is open through June 16, 2025. Regular registration is open through July 16, 2025.
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About SWCS
With more than 2,000 members around the world, the Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS) is a nonprofit scientific and educational organization that serves as an advocate for conservation professionals and for science-based conservation practice, programs, and policy.
SWCS’s mission is to foster the science and art of natural resource conservation. We work to discover, develop, implement, and constantly improve conservation practices and systems that sustain the productive capacity of the land while protecting environmental quality.
We pursue our mission through a combination of research, education, and advocacy aimed at promoting state-of-the-art conservation practices and science-based conservation policy.