2026 Gathering Waters Land Trust Conference

NCCT Staff Attends 2026 Gathering Waters Land Trust Conference

NCCT staff attended the 2026 Gathering Waters Land Trust Conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, from March 11-13. The three-day event was action-packed with field trips to local protected areas, multiple educational sessions, many opportunities to connect with other land trusts, and plenty of great food!

The conference began on Wednesday with a welcome panel and stories of successes from land trusts throughout Wisconsin and the Milwaukee area. From there, attendees jumped into the first educational session of the conference. After a quick lunch and a competitive dessert competition, attendees boarded a bus to visit three areas protected by Restoring Lands in the Milwaukee River Watershed. The evening wrapped up with a group dinner at a nearby Mexican restaurant.

Day two began with breakfast gatherings that brought together land trust staff who work in similar roles. These informal conversations allowed for ideas to be exchanged, discuss challenges, and build new connections. It was a great way to start off the day! The first educational session covered a wide range of timely topics, including the current state of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program and the growing challenges nonprofits face with social media. The afternoon flew by with a quick lunch and two additional educational sessions, which included topics ranging from sustainably sourcing native plants to cultivating strong relationships with donors. Thursday concluded with a social hour at 3rd Street Market Hall, offering a variety of dinner options and tasty treats.

The final day of the conference began with another breakfast with peers before diving into the last round of educational sessions. NCCT staff attended sessions about how to share memorable conservation stories and planning strategically for future conservation successes. The conference ended with a farewell message from Gathering Waters staff.

Thank you to all the Gathering Waters team for organizing such an amazing conference! This event brings land trusts from across Wisconsin together in one place to share ideas, strengthen relationships, and celebrate conservation successes. NCCT staff look forward to attending each year, and we are able to go because of our amazing supporters who value local conservation!

For more information about Gathering Waters or the Land Trust Conference, click here.