Friday, February 25th 8:30-3:00 and
Saturday, February 26th 8:30-1:30
Virtual Conference via Zoom
Our eleventh annual Spring into Action conference is expected to draw over 250 residents, restoration professionals, and industry experts to discuss current best-in-class local waterway restoration practices. The virtual conference provides opportunities for community leaders, Master Watershed Stewards, restoration professionals, and the public to network, learn the latest watershed restoration techniques and explore community engagement methods that benefit the Chesapeake Watershed.
Whether you are a seasoned environmentalist, a stormwater professional, or just getting started in the world of watershed restoration, this year’s conference has something for everyone. Check out the conference agenda and registration here.
We have THIRTEEN other individual sessions including, "Squashing Invasive Insects", "Digging Into Soils", "Navigating Conflict and Collaboration", and " Boosting Behavior Change" so you can choose the program path that's right for you. New This Year - We’ll be hosting additional pre-conference networking events, both in-person and virtual. Take a hike with a naturalist, tour a restoration project, and more opportunities for you to connect with like-minded environmentalists. Plus, meet the funders and local government leaders who can help you get projects done.
Registration is open through February 22nd.
WSA envisions every community in Anne Arundel County actively engaged to ensure a healthy environment for all. This goal can only become a reality through intentional, transformative changes in our organization and the way we build relationships with communities. WSA is working to incorporate the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion and justice (DEIJ) into our DNA. As part of this process, we have partnered with two local consulting firms - JIJ Impact and Defensores de la Cuenca – to guide the development of equitable strategies for our organization and for our tree planting initiative, Replant Anne Arundel. We are passionately committed to this work, and excited to share our progress, struggles, and trajectory.
During the open plenary of the conference, JIJ Impact’s Jeff Johnson (President and CEO) and Michael Ramsey (Vice President) will discuss how WSA’s equity journey has unfolded, and share the important lessons that have emerged for the broader environmental community. Join the session "A Watershed Moment: Taking a Look Inside WSA’s DEIJ Journey" to hear more about where we are on this journey, and how what we’ve learned applies to you.
On the second day, we will begin the conference with a plenary discussion featuring Executive Director of Defensores de la Cuenca’s Abel Olivo, who has been been working with WSA specifically on our Replant Anne Arundel Initiative. The discussion will also feature Carmera Thomas-Wilhite, WSA Board Chair, Steward, and Director of Urban Conservation Initiatives, and Jan-Michael Archer of The Center for Community Engagement, Environmental Justice, and Health at UMD. Join these DEIJ and environmental experts for "Applying Equity and Justice in our Watersheds”. The conversation will leave you wanting more, so be sure to join the following session, “Equity, Environmental Justice, and Me” to dive deeper!
We hope to see you there, REGISTER HERE.