🌱 SPRING CONFERENCE & Elwood Lecture

The Compound Effect: Small Acts, Lasting Impact

When: February 24th, 2026

Where: Reiman Gardens Ames, Iowa

Title: The Compound Effect: Small Acts, Lasting Impact

Join us for the 2026 Spring Conference, where we will dive into topics related to stormwater management, reforestation, and the intersection of recreation and wildlife.

Schedule:

Check-in will be from 8:15 to 9:00 AM

The welcome and sessions will start promptly at 9:00 AM and go until 4 PM. A reception will follow in the lobby until the P.H. Elwood Lecture begins at 5 PM.

8:15-9:00am Check-In

9-9:15 Welcome/Introductions

9:15-10:15 Session 1 (1 ceu)

10:15-10:30 Vendor Break

10:30-11:30 Session 2 (1 ceu)

11:30-1:00 Lunch + Vendor Break

1:00-2:00pm Session 3 (1 ceu)

2:00pm-2:30pm Vendor Break

2:30-3:30 session 4 (1 ceu)

3:30-4:45 Conference Reception

5-6:30 P.H. Elwood Lecture (1.5 CEU)

Sessions:

• Session 1: Soil is the Solution; It’s more than Digging in the Dirt (1 CEU)

  Presented by: Grant Thompson, PhD, PLA

• Session 2: Designing Storm Water Management Practices (1 CEU)

  Presented by: Ann Seda, Urban Conservationist, Iowa Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardship

• Session 3: Integrating Fisheries and Wildlife Management into the Urban Matrix (1 CEU)

  Presented by: Tyler Stubbs, Community Fishing Biologist, Iowa DNR and Andy Kellner, Urban Wildlife Biologist, Iowa DNR

• Session 4 Building the Forest Through the Trees (1 CEU)

  Presented by: Tyler Baird, Superintendent of Parks & Forestry, City of Iowa City

• P.H. Elwood Lecture: Rebuilding Abundance (1.5 CEU)

  Presented by: Claudia West, Principal, Planting Design Director, Phyto Studio

We look forward to many of our 2026 partners joining us with exhibiting booths located throughout the conference hall and several vendor breaks scheduled throughout the day!