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2025 Conservation District Highlights

Register Now for 2026 Staff Training Initiative Programs

Written by Shannon Wehinger on . Posted in Leadership Development

The 2026 Staff Training Initiative includes webinars and a regional workshop series for all district personnel and partner staff. Visit Building for Tomorrow to register for all events, and stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks.

Webinars

  • 6th Annual Conservation District Video Awards
    Thursday, February 12, Noon–12:45 p.m.
    Join us as we screen district video content from 2025, hear from the producers, and award the coveted CONDIVA trophy for best video.
  • From Message to Media: Amplifying Impact Through Local Outreach
    Wednesday, February 18, Noon–1:00 p.m.
    This session will present basic media relations concepts, with a tactical focus on working with local broadcast and print outlets to promote and build awareness of your district’s work and mission. Presented by Stephanie Hendricks, Director of Public Relations at Piper Strategies. 
  • Smarter Social Media: Campaigns, Curation, and AI-Driven Content
    Wednesday, February 25, Noon–1:00 p.m.
    This session will present a concise, practical overview of effective social media campaign strategies, the role of content curation in strengthening credibility, and the responsible use of AI tools to enhance content development. Presented by Line Storgaard-Conley, Director of Digital Marketing & Advertising at Piper Strategies. 
  • QuickBooks User Forum
    Wednesday, March 4, Noon–1:00 p.m.
    This meeting will break out QuickBooks users by version to share tips and training resources, followed by a Q&A panel.

Workshop Series: Assertive Communications and Empowered Conflict Management

Avoiding conflict is natural, but increasing self-awareness is key to expanding the ability to manage conflict effectively. Workshop attendees will explore when and how to apply assertiveness skills to improve their interactions with difficult people, build confidence in difficult situations, and get their needs met. Rita Coleman Graham will facilitate this half-day training (10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.). Workshops are open to all district personnel and partner staff. Registration is required, and refreshments and lunch are provided.

Workshop Schedule:

  • Tuesday, March 10 – French Creek State Park, Elverson, PA
  • Tuesday, March 17 – Fred Rogers Institute at St. Vincent, Latrobe, PA
  • Thursday, March 19 – Ramada Conference Center, State College, PA
  • Wednesday, March 25 – Camp Orchard Hill, Dallas, PA
  • Tuesday, March 31 – Wanango Country Club, Reno, PA

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.