Leaders communicate to inform, influence, persuade, and inspire. Why do some messages motivate people while others are ignored? The 2026 Management Summit keynote, presented by Dr. Stephany Santos, Ph.D., will explore the answers to this question and discuss how to intentionally frame messaging and presentations that connect emotionally, communicate purpose, and inspire action.

Drawing on a unique background that spans biomedical engineering, education, and leadership development, Dr. Santos integrates insights from cognitive science, psychology, engineering education research, and storytelling to help individuals and organizations communicate with greater authenticity, influence, and purpose. A nationally recognized educator, researcher, and speaker, Dr. Santos helps audiences understand how beliefs, biases, identity, and motivation shape decision-making, empowering communicators to craft messages that inspire meaningful engagement and lasting impact. The workshop will be paired with a facilitated district manager panel discussion on individual and collective voices, focusing on ways for managers to be more effective and engaged as advocates, partners, and leaders in advancing conservation priorities, strengthening relationships, and increasing public understanding of conservation district work.

Management Summit is open to all district management and partner staff and is free to attend. The registration deadline is October 16. Visit Building for Tomorrow for more information.

Financial and other support for the Building for Tomorrow Leadership Development Program is provided through a grant from the Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission. Guidance for the Program is provided through the Pennsylvania Conservation Partnership’s Leadership Development Committee.

The Board Development Video Series provides information and review on governance, compliance, and programmatic topics. These short-format videos are intended for viewing and follow-up discussion at district board meetings. The October installment presents important information for directors on the Pennsylvania Public Official and Employee Ethics Act. This video is part of a series of orientation modules available in the 2026 Conservation District Directors Handbook.

Financial and other support for the Building for Tomorrow Leadership Development Program is provided through a grant from the Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission. Guidance for the Program is provided through the Pennsylvania Conservation Partnership’s Leadership Development Committee.

Letters of Intent are now being accepted for the 2026-27 Strategic Planning Grants Program, which will reimburse up to $2,500 in expenses related to the development of a district strategic plan. Visit Building for Tomorrow for more information. The deadline to submit a Letter of Intent is December 31, 2026.

Financial and other support for the Building for Tomorrow Leadership Development Program is provided through a grant from the Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission. Guidance for the Program is provided through the Pennsylvania Conservation Partnership’s Leadership Development Committee.

Reminder to all district management staff: there’s still time to register for the 2026 Management Summit & PreCon October 27–29 at the Wyndham Garden State College. This year’s event includes a New Manager Training PreCon focusing on executive roles, human resources, and operational challenges, a Wednesday program including sessions on AI, individual & collective voices, and public outreach as board development, and a Thursday program focusing on staffing and finances.

Visit Building for Tomorrow to register and review the updated Summit agenda.

Financial and other support for the Building for Tomorrow Leadership Development Program is provided through a grant from the Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission. Guidance for the Program is provided through the Pennsylvania Conservation Partnership’s Leadership Development Committee.

The 2026-27 New Manager Training Initiative began last week and continues through Spring 2027. Visit Building for Tomorrow for more information and to register. 

Registration is open for the 2026 Management Summit, October 27-29 at the Wyndham Garden State College.  All management staff and partner staff are welcome. Visit Building for Tomorrow for agenda, registration, and room block information.

Letters of Intent are now being accepted for the 2026-27 Strategic Planning Grants Program, which will reimburse up to $2,500 in expenses related to developing a district strategic plan. Visit Building for Tomorrow for more information.

The next quarterly QuickBooks/Admin Forum is scheduled for Wednesday, September 9 from 10 a.m.- 11:00 a.m. Click here to register. 

Financial and other support for the Building for Tomorrow Leadership Development Program is provided through a grant from the Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission. Guidance for the Program is provided through the Pennsylvania Conservation Partnership’s Leadership Development Committee.

Registration is now open for the 2026 Management Summit & PreCon October 27 to 29 at the Wyndham Garden State College Conference Center in Boalsburg. This year’s program features a dedicated New Manager Training on Tuesday, a Wednesday keynote and panel on individual and collective voices, and a staff retention focus on Thursday. All district management staff and partner staff are invited to attend. Visit Building for Tomorrow for the agenda, registration, and room block information.

August Board Development Video: Strategic Planning

The Board Development Video Series provides information and review on governance, compliance, and programmatic topics. These short-format videos are intended for viewing and follow-up discussion at your district board meetings. In the August installment we review the basics of strategic planning and share an update on the 2026-27 Strategic Planning Grants Program.

Financial and other support for the Building for Tomorrow Leadership Development Program is provided through a grant from the Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission. Guidance for the Program is provided through the Pennsylvania Conservation Partnership’s Leadership Development Committee.

2026-27 New Manager Training will be delivered as a multi-unit initiative starting in August and running through May. The program is designed to provide an overview for new managers on conservation district fundamentals, operations, and leadership topics. Visit Building for Tomorrow for more information and to register. 

Strategic Planning Grants Available for 2026-27

The State Conservation Commission has allocated funding for grants to reimburse up to $2,500 in expenses related to the development of a strategic plan for the 2026-27 program year. To be eligible for these funds, conservation districts must develop and approve a strategic plan that meets process and content requirements. Priority will be given to conservation districts that have not received a Strategic Planning Grant in the past five years. Visit Building for Tomorrow for more information.

QuickBooks User Forum Scheduled for September 9

The next quarterly QuickBooks Forum is scheduled for Wednesday, September 9 from 10:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m. Forum meetings are intended to provide peer-based support and learning for district staff with administrative duties. September discussion items will include electronic vs. paper payments, accepting credit card payments, bonding, and a review of the district quarterly reporting schedule. Click here to register.

Financial and other support for the Building for Tomorrow Leadership Development Program is provided through a grant from the Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission. Guidance for the Program is provided through the Pennsylvania Conservation Partnership’s Leadership Development Committee.

The 2026-27 New Manager Training Program begins in August with a webinar series on District Fundamentals, including topics such as the Conservation District Law and other laws, board relations, and district partnerships. The series will run through October. All webinars are scheduled for Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m., and links to session recordings will be posted. Visit Building for Tomorrow for a detailed agenda and registration link.

Financial and other support for the Building for Tomorrow Leadership Development Program is provided through a grant from the Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission. Guidance for the Program is provided through the Pennsylvania Conservation Partnership’s Leadership Development Committee.

 

The first QuickBooks User Forum was held in March to establish and begin building a peer-based support network for district QuickBooks users. The next quarterly Forum is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

The Forum agenda is developed by attendee survey. At the June Forum the group will be looking at resources for basic QuickBooks training through PA CareerLink, transitioning from desktop to online, and working with reports. Click here to register for the June 10 Quarterly QuickBooks User Forum. 

Financial and other support for the Building for Tomorrow Leadership Development Program is provided through a grant from the Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission. Guidance for the Program is provided through the Pennsylvania Conservation Partnership’s Leadership Development Committee.

The Board Development Video Series provides information and review on governance, compliance, and programmatic topics. These short-format videos are intended for viewing and follow-up discussion at your district board meetings. For the May installment, we continue our series of training module videos with Act 217, The Conservation District Law. 

Training module videos are integrated into the newly updated online Director Handbook and are being produced as modules for self-guided learning at Clean Water Academy. 

Financial and other support for the Building for Tomorrow Leadership Development Program is provided through a grant from the Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission. Guidance for the Program is provided through the Pennsylvania Conservation Partnership’s Leadership Development Committee.