With Spring right around the corner, the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts 2023 Summer Conference will be here before we know it! This year, the conference planning committee is shaking things up a little bit to add new, exciting programming that you surely won't want to miss. We're steering away from the training "tracts" we've sent people down in the past; in favor of more generalized, inspiring content that will leave you feeling energized and ready to take on whatever challenges are thrown your way in 2023.

As part of that effort, we're reaching out to the Michigan Conservation Community to see if you have an interest in presenting at the conference! If you're interested, we're accepting session proposals through March 17th.

Does your CD have a successful project you'd like to highlight and share with other districts? Do you have hot tips on selling conservation practices to landowners or farmers? Are you looking for more partners in a larger collaborative effort? Did your community experience unique natural resource challenges that required creative solutions? We'd love for you to share it with the rest of the Michigan Conservation Community! Visit our webform to submit your proposal accordingly. Please follow instructions closely and provide all the information requested. Incomplete session proposals will not be accepted!

We're specifically looking for content that meets one of four themes: Natural Resource Management & Climate Resilience; District Operations & Developing Next-Gen Conservationists; Equity, Access, & Outreach; and Conservation Planning & Customer Service Training.

It is an exciting time to be working in conservation in Michigan! Between the stream of dollars flowing in from the Federal Government via the Inflation Reduction Act, the Michigan Legislature supporting CDs through the Operations Grant, and more funding opportunities on the horizon. The message is clear: Conservation Districts are the critical boots on the ground taking on today's critical natural resource concerns like the climate crisis, water quality issues, food system disruption, and more. Our work has never been more important than this exact moment in history. Don't miss out on important resources, lessons, connections, and more that will help you better deliver conservation on the ground.

 It's important to attend our summer conference because it will allow you to:

• feel more energized to take on today's pressing and critical natural resource issues
• stay up to date on cutting-edge conservation practices
• model your programming off of other CDs or other conservation organizations' success stories
• network with your colleagues from around the state, who can help you problem solve, expand the tools in your toolbox, or create opportunities for collaboration
• hear from leadership from our various partners in conservation
• make lasting memories with other members of the Michigan conservation community!

Save the dates, submit a session proposal, and we'll see you in Bay City!