In the northeastern United States, food production has taken different forms over time, and management of soil and water has been accelerated by agricultural and urban dynamics. This rich and varied land use history makes the region a prime location to unite conservation experts to preserve our natural resources.

The 74th SWCS International Annual Conference location is the Wyndham Grand in downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, just feet from the point where the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers meet to form the Ohio. The hotel sits at the pinnacle of the Golden Triangle, the city’s revitalized urban center. Whether you’re exploring Point Park, a 36 acre state park that pays homage to the many generations of communities that have occupied the site; seeing one of the nation’s first green buildings; or learning about partnerships to scale up conservation on the local level and beyond, the city of Pittsburgh is a perfect setting for new conservation connections and perspectives.

Paths to meet current soil and water conservation needs look very different from the solutions that galvanized action after the Dust Bowl, and they will continue to evolve. Come to Pittsburgh and be part of that shared conservation future.

Adult Workshop
Tuesday, July 30, 9:00-12:00 pm CST
In addition to information on culturally important plants, NRCS and SDSU Extension staff will discuss grazing and rangeland management. Topics covered will include plant identification, similarity index, how to measure pasture forage production, and how to monitor pasture usage during the grazing season. Range management kits will be provided to help participants with plant identification and grazing monitoring.

Youth Workshop
Tuesday, July 30, 1:00 – 4:00 pm CST
This is not your ordinary classroom! Youth, ages 8-18, will be transported to nature’s classroom to have hands on learning about grasses, forbes, and shrubs while also learning the importance of these plants to the Lakota people and culture.

Topics: “Wheat, Cover Crops, and Integrating Livestock”

Speakers:

-Brian Johnson of Frankfort, SD, Grazing of Cover Crops
-Caren Assman of SD Wheat, Wheat Economics
-Jason Miller Conservation Agronomist USDA-NRCS, Cover CropsLunc h will be provided.

A great way to share experiences with other farmers and ranchers, and ask any soil health questions you may have.
Please RSVP to Jamie Chalcraft at (605) 280-4199 or jamie.soilhealth@sdconservation.net by July 27th.

Topics To Be Covered:

-The Importance of Living Roots and Their Affect On Soil Structure, Anthony Bly
-Perform Basic Soil Health Assessments In The Field (Weather Permitting)
-Overview of USDA-NRCS Programs & Conservation District Services Available

Learn How To Perform Basic Soil Health Tests In The Field! Ask Your Soil Health Questions & Enter To Win Door Prizes!
Please RSVP to Austin Carlson at (605) 323-8061 or austin.soil health@sdconservation.net.

Speakers:
Cody Nelson—Soil Rx, David Kharki—SDSU Extension
Session 1: 2:00 PM, GrandStay Hotel Meeting Room, 1005 S Dakota St., Milbank, SD
Session 2: 3:30 PM, Field Tour Kruger Farm

Topics:
-Five Principles of Soil Health
-Opportunities For Alternative Row Spacing In Corn
-How To Increase Biodiversity

Please RSVP to Baylee Lukonen by July 26th at (701) 640-8827 or Baylee.soilhealth@sdconservation.net.