The NACD Annual Meeting’s first general session began yesterday with a ceremonial opening and a twist on an annual tradition as attendees participated in a Parade of Regions. NACD President Kim LaFleur spoke about employing our principles as a compass to guide how we spend our time.

“Letting our compass guide our clock allows us to be mindful of the time we have available to us without distracting us from the direction we are heading,” said LaFleur.  

Participants were also inspired by keynote speaker Erik Weihenmayer. Weihenmayer is a blind athlete, author, and Co-Founder of the nonprofit organization No Barriers. No Barriers’ programs aim to empower people with disabilities to break through barriers and elevate their lives and communities. Weihenmayer spoke of his own experience seeking new heights kayaking, mountaineering, and rock climbing, and encouraged us to enthusiastically dive into the learning process and reach for our own new challenges and summits.  

“The culmination of these journeys isn’t the summit, but when you come back down the mountain and share the gifts and lessons,” said Weihenmayer. “What’s within us is stronger than what’s in our way.” 

As conservationists, we work together to creatively problem solve, support one another through challenges, and celebrate our accomplishments. Weihenmayer’s powerful story about finding his own strength in the great outdoors and helping others do the same is an important reminder of how we all can "Bee the Change" and break through barriers to reach new summits. 

LEADERSHIP LUNCHEON CELEBRATES MEMBERS AND PARTNERS

Monday’s Leadership Luncheon gathered NACD Annual Meeting participants together for a meal and celebration of members and partners. Marilyn Vetter, President and CEO of Pheasants Forever, Quail Forever, provided a keynote address.  

Together, she and NACD President Kim LaFleur signed a memorandum of understanding between the two organizations to collaborate on outreach, advocacy, education, leadership, and professional development. The partnership also includes an opportunity for conservation districts to promote and support wildlife habitat by serving as points-of-sale for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s seed mixes and earn revenue in the process. Stay tuned for future information on how to get involved. 

During the luncheon, states were also recognized with membership awards, and the eight 2025 Friends of NACD District Grants Program awardees were announced. Kevin Jeffries of Kentucky and Robert and Mary Gab of South Dakota were also inducted into NACD’s Hall of Distinction.  

In our commitment to education, books donated by Annual Meeting attendees to NACD’s Pack-A-Book drive were presented during the luncheon to the Utah Association of Conservation Districts, who accepted the donated books on behalf of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind. 

Attendees also celebrated the five graduates of the 2024 cohort of the Next Generation Leadership Institute (NGLI): Kelli Bowen of North Dakota, Kirk Daniel of Tennessee, Excell La Fayette, Jr. of Oklahoma, Glenn Takai of Guam, and Vincent Thompson of Kentucky. Together, these graduates completed over 80 hours of instruction, a full day of legislative visits, and a capstone project, solidifying their place as national conservation leaders.  

$107,400 RAISED FOR CONSERVATION LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS

A live auction for NACD’s sister organization, the National Conservation Foundation (NCF), was held yesterday. The NCF’s flagship programs are the NCF-Envirothon® and the Next Generation Leadership Institute (NGLI). The NCF-Envirothon® is an environmental and natural resources conservation problem-solving competition for high school students across the globe. The annual NGLI trains conservation leaders to rise to the challenge of understanding and directing national, collaborative efforts in locally led conservation. 

The $107,400 raised from this year’s auctions items will go directly to supporting these two programs and preparing new leaders in conservation. Thanks to all who attended the auction and donated and bid on items to support new and emerging leaders in conservation! If you missed the auction, support NCF through an online donation.

TODAY'S EVENTS

Looking to start your day with a hearty breakfast? Head to the Salt Republic from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m. through Wednesday to enjoy a discounted breakfast buffet. Just wear your registration badge to get the discounted rate of $20 per person.

• The day will start with a coffee break and networking opportunity at the National Conservation Showcase from 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. in Salt Lake Foyer.  
• The NCF Board of Trustees meeting will be in Solitude from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. 
• The day’s first round of breakout sessions and the Soil Health Champions Focus Group and Women in Conservation Meet and Greet will start at 9:00 a.m. in Salt Lake A, B, D, and E, Snowbird, and Powder Mountain.  
• At 10:00 a.m. head to the Salt Lake Foyer for a coffee break and networking opportunity until the next round of breakout sessions from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in Salt Lake A, B, D, and E, and Park City.  
• The NACD Board of Directors will convene for their meeting from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Salt Lake C. 
• The TSP Orientation and Conservation Planning Training will begin at 1:30 p.m. in Aspen. 
• In the afternoon, breakout sessions will be from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Salt Lake A, B, D, and E, and Park City. 
• NCDEA will conduct their board meeting from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Powder Mountain.  
• The next round of breakout sessions will be from 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. in Salt Lake A, B, D, and E, and Park City. 
• The final round of breakout sessions will be from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Salt Lake A, B, D, and E, and Park City. 
• The day will conclude with a happy hour in the Regency Foyer at 6:00 p.m. before the Appreciation Banquet begins promptly at 7:00 p.m. in the Regency Ballroom.  

Additional information can be found in the online agenda. Check the Sched meeting app for the latest updates.