October 7, 2024

Sowing Seeds:
Conservation connections for a resilient future

Vermont State College, Randolph, Vermont

The 2024 Vermont Conservation Conference will convene in the wake of a unique conservation moment. This involves conserving 30% of our land and waters by 2030, protecting an ecologically functional landscape, mitigating the effects of climate change, supporting healthy and resilient working lands, and advancing environmental justice.

This conference aims to make space for the conservation community across Vermont to meet, share resources, and foster discussions regarding collaborative, strategic, and informed conservation work and planning.

By the end of the day, attendees will leave with a better sense of:

• How their organization/program/self can play a role in recognizing the unique conservation moment, advancing statewide conservation initiatives, and leveraging unprecedented funding opportunities;

• The holistic definition of “conservation” in Vermont, and how differing perspectives are reflected across diverse organizations and programming;

• How can we work together to advance equity and inclusion in the conservation community, ensuring equitable access for BIPOC Vermonters and other historically marginalized groups;

• Organizational and Personal Connections: Who to ask about, who to include in, and who to connect with on conservation topics;

• The “road map” for the future of Vermont conservation – Where are we going, and how do we work together to get there?

General themes for the day will include:

• Reconciliation, Recognition, and Restorative Justice for the Land

• Landscape-scale conservation

• Biodiversity

• Climate Solutions

• Organizational Capacity, Communication & Engagement

• Working lands

• Stewardship and restoration

• Livable communities