Our goal for the meeting was to build and strengthen networks between conservation districts, state and federal agencies, farmers, private industry, nonprofit organizations, and research institutions. I think we successfully accomplished this goal with representation from organization from fourteen states throughout the region. 

Connections are vital for the success of our conservation partnerships. The MASCD/NACD NE Region Annual Meeting provided a forum for partners to highlight research findings, innovative programs and projects, and strategies for success of our respective organizations.

We developed an agenda based on your input. We surveyed our partners in Maryland and the Northeast Region, and are included breakout sessions focused on technical topics, such as soil health, climate change and strategies for adaptation. We also included a number of sessions focused on capacity building, such as succession planning for conservation district boards, increasing diversity among our membership, and strategies for funding and increasing technical capacity. 

Thank you for joining us this August on Maryland’s Eastern Shore!