For the first time WSA will be offering WSA Pro, a professional track, at Watershed Steward Academy’s Annual Conference: Spring Into Action 2017. 

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2017 8:30 AM- 4 PM

LINDALE MIDDLE SCHOOL

415 ANDOVER ROAD, LINTHICUM, MD 21090

Professional Sessions will include:

Professionals and Stewards: Collaborating to fund and build successful large scale restoration in Anne Arundel County, Joe Ports and Abbi Huntzinger

This session will unpack the elements of a successful application to the Anne Arundel County Watershed Protection and Restoration Grant Program. New guidance for identifying the right project and assembling the right project team will allow participants to focus time and resources toward projects and communities with a strong likelihood for success.

Identifying and Overcoming Challenges: A Dialog for Restoration Professionals, Kirk Mantay

Building support for and implementing restoration projects at all scales is a give and take process. This session serves as a safe space for restoration professionals to candidly share the challenges and short-comings they have experienced, as part of a broader dialogue to identify solutions to widespread issues in implementing large scale restoration projects.

 A new view to inspire ecological stewardship and stimulate public policy support, Peter May

The restoration economy is moving fast with billions of dollars being spent to support Chesapeake Bay restoration goals. Now more than ever a renewed focus must be advanced to articulate to the public and policymakers the benefits of restoration efforts beyond water quality and load reduction attainment to maintain support. Novel restoration techniques and technologies in the Baltimore and Washington, DC metropolitan areas are presented. Additional benefits of these techniques include their ability to capture societal imagination, forward ecological education and foster a sense of stewardship among a wide range of groups.

Natural Landscape Design: Meadows, Woods and Water, Larry Weaner

Natural gardens can reduce maintenance, improve the environment, and enhance the beauty of any residential property. Through a series of case studies, this presentation details techniques for gracefully integrating native plant compositions and ecological processes into the residential setting. Projects are presented from inception to maturity, providing a behind-the scenes look at both practical and aesthetic considerations involved in creating and maintaining natural gardens.

Don’t miss your opportunity to learn from these great presentations and network with like-minded professionals.

Register Today!