CARCD’s 74th Annual Conference

“Increasing Pace and Scale: Local Action for Water, Soil, and Forest Resilience”

The California Association of Resource Conservation Districts (CARCD) continued the tradition of bringing together the conservation community from around the state at the 74th Annual CARCD Conference. If you missed our conference, you can read about highlights in our blog post.

The 2019 conference theme was “Increasing Pace and Scale: Local Action for Water, Soil, and Forest Resilience” and the was held from November 12-15, 2019 at the Sheraton Hotel at the Sundial Bridge in Redding, California.

The Annual CARCD Conference is a highly anticipated event that brings together conservation practitioners, scientists, private landowners and land managers, legislators, non-profits—plus state, federal and regional agency representatives. Recent speakers have included the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the Director of the California Department of Conservation, and renowned researchers and advisors from the University of California, among others.

Please direct any questions to Kiko Barr, conference coordinator, who can be reached at kiko-barr@carcd.org or (916) 836-4804. 

Click here for the agenda (link)

We received more presentation submissions than ever for 2019’s conference, and featured breakout sessions in four tracks:

  • Partnerships and Programs for Relevant, Excellent, Visible RCDs
  • Working Lands Are the Solution
  • Forest Health and Fire Resilience
  • Increasing Pace and Scale for Watershed Management

Opening session: We presented a variety of experts and leaders, with a focus on the restoration efforts around the Carr Fire and diversity and inclusion in conservation.

Partnership Awards Luncheon: Resource Conservation Districts and the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service celebrated their long partnership, and give awards to recognize outstanding staff

High School Speak-Off Competition: Speak-off competition finalists from across California were invited to compete for cash prizes during Thursday’s lunch

Sponsor mixer: Attendees enjoyed drinks and appetizers in a relaxed atmosphere where they mingled with sponsors.

Registration

One day registration: $225 for RCDs, $245 for partners  SOLD OUT!

Two-day registration:$365 for RCDs, $385 for partners SOLD OUT!

We sold out of our full conference registrations and announced the release of new partial registrations*, which gave attendees access to our breakout sessions, fireside chats, tours of the Turtle Bay Exploration Park, and the Wednesday sponsor mixer (with Wednesday registration).

Wednesday partial registration: $80 for RCDs, $100 for partners
Thursday partial registration: $120 for RCDs, $140 for partners
Two-day partial registration: $185 for RCDs, $205 for partners

 

*Due to space limitations, partial registrations did not include the opening session or conference meals. Meals could be purchased at the hotel restaurant, or other local restaurants.

Register for Our Conference Extras

Tuesday’s FREE RCD Capacity Day Training Registration (link)

Tuesday, November 12 is a FREE day of training for RCD staff and directors, presented by CARCD and made possible by funding from the S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation. This year’s RCD Capacity Day will feature peer-to-peer learning opportunities given by RCDs for RCDs on RCD management, revenue, and communications.

Tuesday’s FREE Soil Health Terrace Registration (link)

Join CARCD and the East Stanislaus RCD for a FREE day of technical trainings, facilitation techniques, small group project discussions, and networking with soil health professionals.

Thursday Night Off-Site Dinner Registration (link)

This will take place at the beautiful McConnell Foundation’s Lema Ranch property with good food, drinks, and music to celebrate the end of the conference. The registration fee is $40. We will sell out, so purchase your tickets now!

Friday Conservation Tour Registration (link)

Join us for an exclusive conservation tour led by the Western Shasta RCD, which will include a stop to the RCD’s Carr Fire erosion control project and the Clear Creek salmonid restoration site. The tour registration fee is $25; lunch is included.

Lodging

Group rates at the Sheraton Redding Hotel at the Sundial Bridge started at $128+tax. Rates were available for the nights of:

  • Monday (11/11)
  • Tuesday (11/12)
  • Thursday (11/14)
  • Friday (11/15)

Sponsorship

We believe that voluntary, locally-led conservation is the key to ensuring thriving landscapes and adaptable communities for all Californians. Becoming a CARCD Conference sponsor is an exciting opportunity to gain recognition for the work that you do, network with like-minded professionals, and promote the visibility of your organization or business. For more information on sponsorship view our Sponsorship Page.

Become a conference sponsor today and enjoy the numerous benefits of sharing your organization’s knowledge, services, and resources to hundreds of conservation and resource management professionals from throughout the state. Download the 2019 Annual CARCD Conference Sponsorship Packet for additional information and stay tuned for how to become a sponsor for our 75th conference in 2020.