BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
X-WR-CALNAME:nacdsummer26
X-WR-CALDESC:Event Calendar
METHOD:PUBLISH
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
PRODID:-//Sched.com NACD 2026 Summer Meeting//EN
X-WR-TIMEZONE:UTC
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260517T225020Z
DTSTART:20260717T130000Z
DTEND:20260717T190000Z
SUMMARY:NACD Executive Board Meeting
DESCRIPTION:Business meeting of NACD's Executive Board members.
CATEGORIES:BOARD MEETINGS
LOCATION:Grand Rapids\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:2a8cc9986cd3045054d60e80bb4d9fb5
URL:http://nacdsummer26.sched.com/event/2a8cc9986cd3045054d60e80bb4d9fb5
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260517T225020Z
DTSTART:20260717T190000Z
DTEND:20260717T210000Z
SUMMARY:Registration
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:REGISTRATION
LOCATION:Grand Rapids\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:11515235314a4e168aad94d18f1e32d8
URL:http://nacdsummer26.sched.com/event/11515235314a4e168aad94d18f1e32d8
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260517T225020Z
DTSTART:20260717T203000Z
DTEND:20260717T220000Z
SUMMARY:NACD Leadership Reception
DESCRIPTION:Networking reception with light refreshments for NACD's Board of Directors and other attendees that have arrived.
CATEGORIES:RECEPTIONS
LOCATION:Grand Rapids\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:b414c2cf2c0032aa70233176154580fa
URL:http://nacdsummer26.sched.com/event/b414c2cf2c0032aa70233176154580fa
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260517T225020Z
DTSTART:20260718T120000Z
DTEND:20260718T210000Z
SUMMARY:Registration
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:REGISTRATION
LOCATION:Grand Rapids\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:3f871a06ae9bae5b6671c51abcc8416d
URL:http://nacdsummer26.sched.com/event/3f871a06ae9bae5b6671c51abcc8416d
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260517T225020Z
DTSTART:20260718T130000Z
DTEND:20260718T160000Z
SUMMARY:NACD Board of Directors Meeting
DESCRIPTION:Business meeting of NACD's Board of Directors. Open to all attendees.
CATEGORIES:BOARD MEETINGS
LOCATION:Grand Rapids\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:84496fc140ab9e6d2c5598cab67adf0c
URL:http://nacdsummer26.sched.com/event/84496fc140ab9e6d2c5598cab67adf0c
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260517T225020Z
DTSTART:20260718T180000Z
DTEND:20260718T200000Z
SUMMARY:NACD Committee Meetings
DESCRIPTION:Business meetings of NACD's Legislative\, Natural Resources\, and District & Partner Relations Committees. Open to all attendees.
CATEGORIES:REGION AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS
LOCATION:Grand Rapids\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:977c08f39a774f6c594f03046a817cfe
URL:http://nacdsummer26.sched.com/event/977c08f39a774f6c594f03046a817cfe
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260517T225020Z
DTSTART:20260718T200000Z
DTEND:20260718T220000Z
SUMMARY:Social: Learn to Play Euchre
DESCRIPTION:Learn to play Euchre\, a popular Michigan card game\, with the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts! Catch up with old and meet new colleagues while enjoying a favorite social activity from Michigan's annual state conference.
CATEGORIES:
LOCATION:Grand Rapids\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:813546c96500079fdaebdd33c07eb1cc
URL:http://nacdsummer26.sched.com/event/813546c96500079fdaebdd33c07eb1cc
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260517T225020Z
DTSTART:20260719T120000Z
DTEND:20260719T210000Z
SUMMARY:Registration
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:REGISTRATION
LOCATION:Grand Rapids\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:4995c79ceed723be12cdeacd1f6564cf
URL:http://nacdsummer26.sched.com/event/4995c79ceed723be12cdeacd1f6564cf
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260517T225020Z
DTSTART:20260719T130000Z
DTEND:20260719T150000Z
SUMMARY:NACD Region Meetings
DESCRIPTION:Business meetings of NACD's seven regions: North Central\, Northeast\, Northern Plains\, Pacific\, Southeast\, South Central\, and Southwest. Open to all attendees.
CATEGORIES:REGION AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS
LOCATION:Grand Rapids\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:284c3acf610085f84f93028a99d53816
URL:http://nacdsummer26.sched.com/event/284c3acf610085f84f93028a99d53816
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260517T225020Z
DTSTART:20260719T170000Z
DTEND:20260719T200000Z
SUMMARY:NACD Board of Directors Meeting
DESCRIPTION:Business meeting of NACD's Board of Directors. Open to all attendees.
CATEGORIES:BOARD MEETINGS
LOCATION:Grand Rapids\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:959a6483f8795e95316226470e918b37
URL:http://nacdsummer26.sched.com/event/959a6483f8795e95316226470e918b37
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260517T225020Z
DTSTART:20260719T210000Z
DTEND:20260719T230000Z
SUMMARY:Welcome Reception
DESCRIPTION:Networking reception with light refreshments to welcome all attendees.
CATEGORIES:RECEPTIONS
LOCATION:Grand Rapids\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:f1e41cb9fbedc78feb4677f79deb76e0
URL:http://nacdsummer26.sched.com/event/f1e41cb9fbedc78feb4677f79deb76e0
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260517T225020Z
DTSTART:20260720T110000Z
DTEND:20260720T123000Z
SUMMARY:Breakfast
DESCRIPTION:Buffet breakfast included in the cost of registration.
CATEGORIES:GENERAL PROGRAMMING
LOCATION:Grand Rapids\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:32c1f2ff3d413e823e9b9cb4161f8b44
URL:http://nacdsummer26.sched.com/event/32c1f2ff3d413e823e9b9cb4161f8b44
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260517T225020Z
DTSTART:20260720T110000Z
DTEND:20260720T163000Z
SUMMARY:Registration
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:REGISTRATION
LOCATION:Grand Rapids\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:e7da295bdf30a115ac2ede556ec4e3e1
URL:http://nacdsummer26.sched.com/event/e7da295bdf30a115ac2ede556ec4e3e1
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260517T225020Z
DTSTART:20260720T123000Z
DTEND:20260720T140000Z
SUMMARY:Conservation Forum
DESCRIPTION:Hear from local\, state\, and federal partners advancing conservation in Michigan.
CATEGORIES:GENERAL PROGRAMMING
LOCATION:Grand Rapids\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:fbafb6d4949a2fd3870df5ee4de709a7
URL:http://nacdsummer26.sched.com/event/fbafb6d4949a2fd3870df5ee4de709a7
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260517T225020Z
DTSTART:20260720T143000Z
DTEND:20260720T153000Z
SUMMARY:Breakout Session - Finding Our Namesake: The 17-Year Quest to Restore the Grand Rapids
DESCRIPTION:For over 17 years Grand Rapids Whitewater has been at the center of efforts to bring the namesake rapids back to Grand Rapids. The project has served as a catalyst for significant riverfront development that is reshaping the role the Grand River plays in our community. This presentation will take a deep dive into the original vision for the project\, examine the history of the Grand River\, discuss what happened to the rapids\, identify setbacks the project faced\, and showcase the new vision for the Grand River. Rather than a series of reflecting pools\, our river will become alive with the sound and mist of moving water—and will once again justify the name Grand Rapids.
CATEGORIES:BREAKOUT SESSIONS
LOCATION:Grand Rapids\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:4414bdf7156b56ea3de747e239681891
URL:http://nacdsummer26.sched.com/event/4414bdf7156b56ea3de747e239681891
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260517T225020Z
DTSTART:20260720T143000Z
DTEND:20260720T153000Z
SUMMARY:Breakout Session - Turn Local Input Into Meaningful Action
DESCRIPTION:Join the National Conservation District Employees Association (NCDEA) to explore how to strengthen local working groups by connecting community feedback to clear priorities and strategic decisions. Learn practical approaches to guide discussions\, improve participation\, and ensure your district’s efforts reflect local needs and long-term goals.\n\n
CATEGORIES:BREAKOUT SESSIONS
LOCATION:Grand Rapids\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:ac8b4d8e2f0057573814dbfa703d3e5d
URL:http://nacdsummer26.sched.com/event/ac8b4d8e2f0057573814dbfa703d3e5d
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260517T225020Z
DTSTART:20260720T143000Z
DTEND:20260720T153000Z
SUMMARY:Breakout Session - Who Will Farm the Land? Farm Linking in Michigan & Illinois
DESCRIPTION:Across the United States\, the farming population is aging rapidly\, creating an urgent need to support the next generation of farmers while ensuring farmland remains in active agricultural use. Farm linking platforms have emerged as one promising solution. According to American Farmland Trust\, there are currently more than 38 farm and land linking websites nationwide designed to connect farmland owners with aspiring farmers and ranchers.\n\nThese platforms help farm seekers identify available land while assisting landowners in navigating the often complex process of land transfer. However\, farm linking programs vary widely across the country. Some focus primarily on matchmaking between landowners and farmers\, while others provide additional resources such as educational materials\, leasing templates\, and succession planning tools.\n\nThis presentation will highlight two Midwestern examples—Michigan Farm Link and Illinois Farm Link—and explore how each program approaches the farm linking model. Attendees will learn how these platforms operate\, the resources they provide\, and how they support both retiring farmers and beginning farmers seeking land access.
CATEGORIES:BREAKOUT SESSIONS
LOCATION:Grand Rapids\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:b7f30b2895ac5b7fb55db8dfa7ba5b43
URL:http://nacdsummer26.sched.com/event/b7f30b2895ac5b7fb55db8dfa7ba5b43
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260517T225020Z
DTSTART:20260720T143000Z
DTEND:20260720T153000Z
SUMMARY:Breakout Session - Your Story Is Your Strategy: Diversifying District Funding Through Foundation Relationships
DESCRIPTION:Foundation grants begin before the application ever does\, by telling a compelling story. This session will cover strategic alignment\, finding funders\, making the ask\, and sustaining partnerships over the long term. Rivka Hodgkinson\, Executive Director of the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts\, will blend real-world experience with a practical\, replicable\, and scalable framework\, sharing examples along the way\, from small grants to a $1.6 million capacity-building grant from the Erb Family Foundation. When you can clearly articulate where you've been\, where you are\, and where you're going\, you become the kind of partner foundations want to invest in. You'll leave with actionable tools regardless of your starting point or organization size.\n\n
CATEGORIES:BREAKOUT SESSIONS
LOCATION:Grand Rapids\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:9cb72c17aae73cfbff96d70ff5a9810a
URL:http://nacdsummer26.sched.com/event/9cb72c17aae73cfbff96d70ff5a9810a
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260517T225020Z
DTSTART:20260720T160000Z
DTEND:20260720T170000Z
SUMMARY:Luncheon
DESCRIPTION:Buffet luncheon included in the cost of registration.
CATEGORIES:GENERAL PROGRAMMING
LOCATION:Grand Rapids\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:e53d3da4c343243816bdec80ab22d7c8
URL:http://nacdsummer26.sched.com/event/e53d3da4c343243816bdec80ab22d7c8
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260517T225020Z
DTSTART:20260720T173000Z
DTEND:20260720T223000Z
SUMMARY:Host State Tour: Grand River Guided Walking Tour and Visit to Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
DESCRIPTION:This tour is included in the cost of registration.&nbsp\;\nThis tour will visit two sites in Grand Rapids: the Grand River and the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.\n\nStop 1: The Grand River \nExplore the story of the Grand River as it winds through downtown Grand Rapids\, Michigan. On this guided walking tour\, you’ll experience the powerful connection between ecology and history along the banks of Michigan’s longest river. Local experts from the Grand Valley Metro Council and the Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds will share insights into the river’s dynamic ecosystem—highlighting fish migrations\, floodplain function\, water quality\, habitat restoration\, and the challenges posed by invasive species and historic development. This tour offers a deeper understanding of the science\, stewardship\, and shared responsibility behind one of West Michigan’s most important natural resources.\n\nThis tour will depart on foot from the hotel. Tour participants will walk a half mile or more for over an hour and stand during this tour. Wear comfortable attire and shoes. At the conclusion of the walking tour\, buses will meet and take participants to the next tour stop\, about a 20-minute drive away.\n\nFor those who do not wish to go on the walking tour\, a bus will depart from the hotel at 2:30 p.m. to take you directly to the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.\n\n\nStop 2: Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park \nCombining art and nature\, the 158-acre Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids\, Michigan\, blends horticulture and artistic expression. From Michigan’s largest tropical conservatory to an eight-acre Japanese garden\, the park’s 16 gardens and over 200 sculptures offer visitors a distinct experience in every season.\n\nDuring this self-guided visit to the park\, tour participants will have an opportunity to roam and visit the different outdoor gardens\, including the outdoor visiting exhibition of Chihuly at Meijer Gardens. The visit will conclude with a networking reception with a cash bar and hors d'oeuvres. \n\n\nTour participants will be walking and standing\, including in uncovered areas\, during the visits to these two locations. Wear comfortable attire and shoes and bring water\, sunscreen\, and insect repellent as needed.
CATEGORIES:TOURS
LOCATION:Grand Rapids\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:a0baebe356027f0cfc2c19256f467b6c
URL:http://nacdsummer26.sched.com/event/a0baebe356027f0cfc2c19256f467b6c
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260517T225020Z
DTSTART:20260721T110000Z
DTEND:20260721T120000Z
SUMMARY:Breakfast
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:GENERAL PROGRAMMING
LOCATION:Grand Rapids\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:59beff19f51935a388845d88bc37c042
URL:http://nacdsummer26.sched.com/event/59beff19f51935a388845d88bc37c042
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260517T225020Z
DTSTART:20260721T120000Z
DTEND:20260721T210000Z
SUMMARY:Host State Tour: Michigan Conservation Tour
DESCRIPTION:This tour is included in the cost of registration.&nbsp\;\nThis full-day tour will take participants to five distinct locations for an up-close look at conservation in Michigan and includes lunch.\n\n\nStop 1: Mast Young Plants\nIn the morning\, buses will depart the hotel at 8:00 a.m. for Mast Young Plants\, a five-acre-plus commercial greenhouse that grows more than 1\,500 varieties of annuals\, perennials\, and cut flowers\, such as mums\, asters\, geraniums\, and more\, which are shipped to retailers throughout the country. This tour is a unique opportunity to learn from their production manager how production at this scale is accomplished. There will also be a self-guided tour of their demonstration gardens. You will learn from conservation district and greenhouse staff about the steps it took for this farm to become verified through the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program\, a state program run through local conservation districts. They will share how stormwater runoff\, nutrients\, and drain wastewater are managed by the greenhouse to minimize pollution.\n\n\nStop 2: Ed Dunneback & Girls Farm Market\nThe next stop will be the Ed Dunneback & Girls Farm Market\, a fourth-generation farm that is a bustling agritourism business with a market\, concert stage\, playground\, animals\, gift shop\, bakery\, kitchen\, and brewery. Sweet and tart cherries\, apples\, asparagus\, strawberries\, blueberries\, pumpkins\, and Christmas trees are all grown on the farm. We will do a round-robin tour\, with visits throughout the farm to learn about their varied fruit production systems from owners Suanne and Stephanie. The tour will also include a visit to the local creek that runs through the farm to learn about watershed restoration efforts from the Kent Conservation District staff who have worked with the farm for decades.\n\n\nStop 3: Lunch at Schwallier's Country Basket\nLunch will be enjoyed at Schwallier's Country Basket on land known as “The Ridge\,” and a great area to grow tree fruits. A family-owned business\, the sixth generation of farmers operating it are currently adapting to meet new economic and climate-related challenges. The market has grown from a roadside stand to a destination. During the fall season\, the farm includes a bakery\, restaurant\, and agri-tainment area complete with a corn maze and apple cannons. Discover how this family farm has adapted through the years. Lunch and a covered wagon tour through the orchards will be provided.\n\n\nStop 4: Plainsong Farm\nAfter lunch\, participants will visit Plainsong Farm\, a Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MEAEP) verified farm located in northern Kent County\, working to foster a sustainable and community-driven food system. Sitting on 12 acres\, the farm specializes in mixed vegetable production and aims to make fresh produce more accessible to those in need throughout our area. In collaboration with the Kent Conservation District\, Plainsong Farm is a previous NACD Urban and Community Conservation Grant recipient\, working to promote conservation practices on farms while addressing community needs such as food insecurity and lack of access to healthy foods. See how our farm grows and distributes produce to the community\, while enhancing soil health\, water quality\, wildlife habitat\, and overall human health and wellness.\n\n\nStop 5: Cannonsburg State Game Area\nThe final stop of the tour before heading back to the hotel will be the Cannonsburg State Game Area. The Kent Conservation District has been working closely with Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) staff\, Michigan Natural Features Inventory\, and Friends of Cannonsburg State Game Area\, leading up to being awarded a DNR Wildlife Habitat Grant in 2021. This DNR program funds restoration on state lands throughout the state to address habitat degradation\, wildlife management\, and hunting opportunities. In response to neighboring concerns regarding invasive species encroachment into logged red pine stands\, Kent Conservation District worked to control bittersweet vine from invading these newly disturbed areas. This project also allowed the Kent Conservation District to protect\, enhance\, and expand a remnant oak savanna containing wild lupine\, hairy puccoon\, and birdsfoot violet\, among several other native species found in that natural community.\n\nThe Kent Conservation District’s accomplishments\, in coordination with the local Muskegon DNR office\, are as follows: seven acres of oak savanna restored\, 25 pounds of native grass and forb seed spread\, 1\,500 native plant plugs installed\, 11.8 acres of logged red pine managed for invasive and undesirable woody species\, and two acres of shrub carr wetlands protected. In anticipation of an upcoming prescribed fire on 188 acres of state game area land\, the Kent Conservation District has been fulfilling the crucial first step of mechanical and chemical preparation to allow the burn to be most successful. The district is excited to be part of the...
CATEGORIES:TOURS
LOCATION:Grand Rapids\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:5a7bec981d48f84277ecd3aa307185fc
URL:http://nacdsummer26.sched.com/event/5a7bec981d48f84277ecd3aa307185fc
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR