NACD Pacific Southwest Region Meeting
Theme Description
Currents of Conservation: Navigating Soil and Water Stewardship
For generations, CHamoru navigators read the ocean, understanding currents, winds, and stars to travel between islands and stay connected across the Pacific. Navigation was not just about movement, but about awareness, adaptation, and knowing how to respond to changing conditions.
In many ways, conservation follows that same approach. It requires coordination, shared knowledge, and the ability to adapt across different landscapes and communities. While each region faces its own challenges, the work of protecting soil and water remains connected.
This meeting brings those efforts together to share experience, strengthen partnerships, and continue moving conservation forward.
Program / Agenda
2026 NACD Pacific Southwest Region Meeting
Currents of Conservation: Navigating Soil and Water Stewardship Guam | August 24–28, 2026
Time |
Activity |
12:00 PM – 2:30 PM |
Registration Open |
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM |
Media Press Conference |
4:00 PM |
Transportation Departure |
5:00 PM – 8:30 PM |
Pre-Conference Dinner - Governor’s house |
9:00 PM |
Shuttle Return |
Conference Day 1 – General Session (Tuesday, August 25, 2026)
Time |
Activity |
7:30 AM – 9:00 AM |
Breakfast & Registration |
9:30 AM – 12:00 PM |
Opening General Session |
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM |
Lunch |
|
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM |
Breakout Session Block 1: Tracks: Agriculture & Working Lands / Natural Resource Management / Capacity Building |
3:15 PM – 4:45 PM |
Breakout Session Block 2: Tracks continue |
All Day |
Partner Expo |
Evening |
Dinner on Own |
Conference Day 2 – General Session (Tuesday, August 26, 2026)
Time |
Activity |
7:30 AM – 9:00 AM |
Breakfast |
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM |
Opening Session |
10:30 AM – 11:50 AM |
Panel Discussion |
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM |
Lunch |
1:45 PM – 3:15 PM |
Breakout Session Block 3: Tracks continue |
1:45 PM – 3:45 PM |
NACD Region Business Meetings |
4:00 PM – 5:20 PM |
Joint Regional Meeting |
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM |
Networking Reception |
Conference Day 3 – Southern Guam Tour (Thursday, August 27, 2026)
TBA
Conference Day 4 – Northern Guam Tour & Farewell Fiesta (Friday, August 28, 2026)
TBA
The schedule is subject to change. Please download the official meeting conference app "Sched" for updates.
Conference Tracks
Track 1: Agriculture and Working Lands
This track focuses on approaches to sustainable agriculture and land management that balance productivity with conservation.
- Soil health and regenerative practices
- Water management and irrigation strategies
- Agroforestry and integrated systems
- Grazing and ranchland management
- Food systems and local production
- Urban and community-based agriculture
Track 2: Natural Resource Management
This track highlights strategies for managing and protecting natural resources while addressing environmental challenges.
Potential topics include:
- Watershed management and water quality
- Drought and water resource planning
- Habitat restoration and conservation
- Invasive species management
- Wildfire resilience and land management
- Use of GIS and monitoring tools
Track 3: District Capacity Building and Leadership
This track focuses on strengthening conservation districts and partners to support effective conservation delivery.
Potential topics include:
- Leadership and governance
- Partnership development
- Funding and grant strategies
- Outreach and community engagement
- Workforce development and training
- Program implementation and evaluation
Who Should Attend
-
Conservation District Staff and Board Members
-
USDA NRCS and Federal Partners
-
Local and Regional Government Agencies
-
Farmers, Ranchers, and Landowners
-
Conservation Practitioners and Organizations
-
Academic and Research Institutions