Conservation 101 Training Day

Date: Tuesday, March 10th

Location: Poulin Grain Office | 3916 US-5, Derby, VT 05829

Time: 10a - 3p

About the Conservation 101 Training

Conservation 101 is a one-day training designed to explore how conservation practices function on working Vermont farms, and why they matter beyond the farm gate.

This session will provide a high-level overview of watershed planning, grazing systems, floodplain management, and working lands stewardship. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of how these practices improve soil health, protect water quality, reduce flood risk, and strengthen farm resilience.

In addition to technical foundations, the training will also explore how conservation work is communicated to the public and why clear, accessible storytelling is increasingly important for Vermont agriculture.

This training is open to all farmers and agricultural partners. Participation in OCNRCD's Marketing Conservation Cohort is not required to attend.

What We'll Cover

How watershed planning connects farm practices to downstream water quality
The role of grazing systems in soil health and pasture productivity
River science and floodplain management fundamentals
Working lands conservation in ermont's regulatory and funding landscape
Communicating conservation practices in ways that resonate with the public

This session is designed to be practical, Vermont-specific, and relevant to real farm operations.

Featured Speakers

Ben Copans

Watershed Planning Supervisor

Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation

Clara Fernadez Odell

Working Lands & Nursery Specialist

Essex County Natural Resources Conservation District

Sacha Pealer

River Scientist & Floodplain Manager

Vermont Agency of Natural Resources | Department of Environmental Conservation

Sarah Damsell

Executive Director

Orleans County Natural Resources Conservation District

Who Should Attend

Farmers interested in conservation practices
Farmers currently practicing conservation
Producers seeking clarity on watershed and floodplain dynamics
Grazing operations looking to strengthen pasture systems
Agricultural partners and service providers
Anyone interested in how conservation on farms supports broader community and environmental resilience