The Future of Conservation Forum

Posted on by Damon Waitt
Mike Kunz, NCBG conservation botanist, points out a rare plant at Fort Bragg.

The Future of Conservation Forum will bring together key experts on conservation and resilience from all over North Carolina. We will share information and work together to protect our natural heritage and improve access to the benefits of conservation for all North Carolinians, for current and future generations. Through workshops, presentations, and discussions participants will learn about current efforts to:

  • Conserve land,
  • Identify and protect resilient landscapes,
  • Increase equitable access to the benefits of conservation,
  • Include diverse communities in conservation planning,
  • Improve the overall effectiveness of applying science to conservation issues in North Carolina.

Who Should Attend?

  • Conservation specialists from local, state, and federal agencies.
  • Environmental organizations staff, volunteers, and members.
  • Researchers and students from North Carolina colleges and universities.
  • Anyone who has an interest in the future of conservation in North Carolina.

Dates: Tuesday–Thursday, March 15-17, 2022 POSTPONED TO SEPTEMBER 6-8, 2022

Location: North Carolina Botanical Garden, 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Get Directions.

Schedule-at-a-Glance:

  • Day 1: Biodiversity
    • Plenary Speaker: Dr. Alan Weakley, Director UNC Herbarium at the North Carolina Botanical Garden
    • Concurrent Session A
      1. Conservation, Resilience, and Human Communities
      2. Conservation, Resilience, and Natural Communities
    • Concurrent Session B
      1. Zoology
      2. Botany
    • Reception at the North Carolina Botanical Garden
  • Day 2: Resilience
    • Plenary: Mark Anderson, Director of Conservation Science, The Nature Conservancy
    • Panel: Working Together for Conservation and Climate Resilience
    • Panel: Ensuring Resilient Ecosystems Through Protecting Landscapes and Wildlife Corridors
    • Concurrent Session:
      1. Ensuring Resilient Ecosystems Through Protecting Landscapes and Wildlife Corridors
      2. Conservation and Resilience Funding Opportunities in NC
    • Dinner and Plenary: Dr. Gary Machlis, Clemson University – Future of Conservation: toward a unified vision of conservation.
  • Day 3: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
    • Plenary: Dr. Madhu Katti, Associate Professor, Leadership in Public Science, NCSU – Decolonizing Ecology
    • Presentations and Discussion: Increasing Diversity of the Communities We Serve
    • Conservation Career Fair and Concurrent Group Meetings

Learn more and register here.