NACD's 79th Annual Meeting kicked off this weekend in snowy Salt Lake City, Utah. Yesterday, participants attended meetings hosted by partners that included the National Conservation District Employees Association (NCDEA) and the National Conservation Foundation (NCF).

Yesterday, the NACD's Board of Directors met for their first meeting with new members joining from Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and South Dakota. During the meeting, board members were welcomed to Utah by the Utah Association of Conservation Districts and heard updates from NACD President Kim LaFleur and CEO Jeremy Peters and financial report from Secretary-Treasurer Mark Masters. Board members were also introduced to the 2025 NGLI Cohort and the officer candidates from this year's executive board election, which will be held on Tuesday.

Saturday wrapped up with networking and entertainment at the Loveland Planet Aquarium, hosted by the Utah Association of Conservation Districts.

Check out the 2025 Annual Meeting Newsroom for access to photos, press releases, and presentations as they become available throughout the meeting.

NACD VOLUNTEERS AT LOCAL COMMUNITY GARDEN

Friday morning, NACD staff, officers, and Executive Board members donned their boots, gloves, and jackets to head to the Wasatch Community Gardens for a group service project.

Since its beginnings as a nonprofit organization in 1989, the Wasatch Community Gardens has offered multi-generational, bilingual programming in gardens at local schools, providing opportunities for students and adults to learn farming and gardening skills.

Coordinated by the Utah Association of Conservation Districts, as a team we spent the morning loading a semi-truck with farming supplies, including irrigation pipes, bricks, planting pots, pallets, and more! Our work prepare the Wasatch Community Gardens for their move to a new plot.

Thanks to all who were involved in helping us start our Annual Meeting with a wonderful opportunity to support this amazing organization.

UACD HOSTS EVENING

AT THE AQUARIUM

The Utah Association of Conservation Districts (UACD) brought the first night of the NACD Annual Meeting to a close with a fun evening social! The exciting event was held at the Loveland Planet Aquarium where participant enjoyed food, entertainment, and prizes.

The event brought together conservation professionals across the country for a night of networking and the rare chance to explore the Aquarium after hours. Attendees were able to privately explore the exhibits and see various animals, ranging from the Dwarf Caiman from South America to the Utah native Bonneville Cutthroat Trout. The playful penguins were an attendee favorite!

Thank you to UACD for hosting such a wonderful event.

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.

• Bob Warner from Warner Ranch will host an inspirational session from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. in Juniper.  
• Follow up the inspiration session with NACD’s Auxiliary Tour to Temple Square to see the Mormon Tabernacle Choir from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. 
• The NARCDC will hold their board meeting from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Solitude.  
• The Next Generation Leadership Institute will meet from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Deer Valley. 
• NACD committee meetings will run from 8:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. 
• The NCF-Envirothon Operating Committee will meet from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in Brighton. 
• NACD region meetings will be from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 
• Take a break in between meetings and go on NACD’s Auxiliary walking tour of Temple Square from 12:45 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. 
• The NACD Board of Directors will convene for their meeting from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in Salt Lake C. 
• The First Timers Session, sponsored by Agri-Drain, will begin at 1:30 p.m. in Salt Lake A. 
• NACD will host a grant networking and office hours in the Salt Lake Foyer from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. 
• ACED will conduct their business meeting from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Canyonlands. 
• The day will conclude with a Showcase Welcome Reception, sponsored by Warner Ranch, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Salt Lake Foyer. 

Additional information can be found in the online agenda.