Monday, August 24
Chase Center Lobby
Join us for a unique, immersive farm tour inspired by the powerful documentary Deeply Rooted: Family Farming in Delaware. This experience takes you to the very farms and landscapes highlighted in the film that will be shown on Tuesday night of the Region Meeting, offering a firsthand look at the people, practices, and challenges shaping modern agriculture.
Although small in size, Delaware stands as an agricultural powerhouse. Farming is the state’s number one industry, contributing over $8 billion annually and ranking first in the nation for agricultural value sold per acre. As we travel through Kent County, you’ll see how agriculture defines both the land and the communities who steward it.
Our tour will highlight Delaware’s most important agricultural sectors. Along the way, you’ll also see vast fields of corn and soybeans, the backbone crops that support the region, as well as specialty crops like potatoes, lima beans (where Delaware leads the nation), and pumpkins. You’ll visit operations central to the poultry industry, which accounts for roughly three-quarters of the state’s farm economy with Delaware’s Sussex County region (the birthplace of the U.S. broiler chicken industry) remaining the nation’s top producer today.
A key theme of the tour is the enduring legacy of family farming. Nearly 90% of Delaware’s farms are family-owned, and agriculture covers about 40% of the state’s land. You’ll hear directly from farmers whose land has been preserved for future generations through forward-thinking programs like the Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation Program, which has protected over 160,000 acres of farmland.
The tour explores the realities of farming today. Farmers are navigating rapidly changing economic conditions, including rising costs and shifting commodity prices. In response, many are embracing innovation—such as precision agriculture and AI-driven tools. Sustainability is another major focus, with ongoing efforts to protect water quality and reduce nutrient runoff into the nearby Delaware and Chesapeake Bays.
We will, also, see and hear about the conservation efforts of Delaware Wildlands Inc., who has preserved over 31,000 acres of land in Delaware, including coastal areas, for future generations to enjoy.
Throughout the journey, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how tradition and innovation coexist on today’s farms—and how the stories from Deeply Rooted continue to unfold in real life.
Chase Center, Christina Ballroom
Buffet- Latin Flavors
Featured Training Track
Management Excellence for Conservation Partners
Attend one session or all sessions! Support for Management Excellence Training is generously provided by The Campbell Foundation.
Tuesday, August 25
Opening Session- 8:00 AM - 9:45 AM
- Opening Remarks
- Gwen Pierce, DACD President
- Denise Savageau, NE Region Chair
- Cliff Lane, NE Region Executive Board Member
- Keynote Address- Generational Makeup: A Key Point in Your Succession Plans– Bryan Peterson, Associated Employers
- Darkest Before Dawn – Steve Breeding, Delaware Farm Bureau
Break 9:45 AM – 10:00 AM
Morning Breakout Sessions- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Lobdell Room
- DiSC – Understanding Dimensions of Behavior– We will review the dimensions of behavior specific to DiSC and relate them to personal experiences by the instructor, as well as the management team. We will look closely at each team member’s profile and classical pattern and discuss how each can and should relate to others on the team that has differences. Discussion will also revolve around the strengths each dimension offers.
- Communication – This program covers most areas of communication, beginning with a general understanding of your audience based on the DiSC concept. Since listening is 55% of the way we communicate, and an area we do not perform well at, the area of active listening is a major concentration.
Harlan & Hollingsworth Room
Moderator: Tim Riley, NCDEA Executive Director and Kent Conservation District Coordinator
- NRCS Federal Updates– Astor Boozer, Deputy Assistant Chief for the North Region
- NACD Updates- Jeremy Peters, CEO & Laura Wood, NACD Interim CEO
- NASCA Updates– Frank Minch, NASCA Northeast Regional Director
- NCDEA Updates- Michael Kent, NCDEA Northeast Region Director
- First State RC&D Council Updates– Rick Mickowski
Pusey & Jones Room
Moderator: Bruce Macolley, New Castle Conservation District (DE)
- Oyster Farming and Sussex County’s Oyster Farming Cost-Share Program– Mark Nardi, Sussex Conservation District Staff (DE)
- Perdue Corporate Sustainability Program– Scott Raubenstine, Perdue Agribusiness
- Harford Landowner and Small Farm Planning Tool– Louis Keddell & Alicia Sabatino, Chesapeake Conservancy
- A New Farmer Advisor Roadmap– Kristin Fisher, The Nature Conservancy
Lunch- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Thank you to our Gold Sponsor:
Afternoon Breakout Sessions- 1:00 Pm - 3:00 PM
Lobdell Room
- Communication (Cont.)
- Handling Difficult Employee Behaviors – When performance problems and inappropriate behavior are ignored, they don’t go away. They turn into bigger problems—for you and your organization. You’ll learn to identify performance problems and various types of behavior problems, and you will learn to confront them in a positive and productive way. Conflict, strife, and opposing points of view are part of the workplace and part of life; you can’t change that. But you can change the way you react and manage conflict when it does occur.
- Fears/concerns in dealing with difficult people
- Responses to conflict
- Ideas on how to resolve conflict
- Employee basic needs
- Behavior patterns of difficult people
- Activities and DVD presentation
Harlan & Hollingsworth Room
Moderator: Nika Colley, NACD
- Cultivating Today’s Volunteer from the District– Matt Ward, Hudson-Essex-Passaic SCD Chairman (NJ)
- Rethinking Community Engagement: From Traditional Meetings to Stakeholder-Driven Conservation– Nathan Edwards, Marisa Matlin, Doug Beri, Indiana SCD (PA)
Pusey & Jones Room
Moderator: Jessica Watson, Sussex Conservation District (DE)
- Sussex Conservation District’s Asset Tracker Tool– Jessica Watson, Sussex Conservation District (DE)
- PlantMap 3D- Fine-tuning Nitrogen Applications Following Mixed-Species Cover Crops– Kristin Fisher, The Nature Conservancy
- CANCELLED- Conservation Concierge- Leveraging AI to Expedite Voluntary Conservation Planning and Enrollment– John Dawes, Chesapeake Commons
Late Afternoon Breakout Sessions- 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Lobdell Room
- Handling Difficult Employee Behaviors (cont.)
Harlan & Hollingsworth Room
Moderator: Nika Colley, NACD
- Engaging the Community through Local Working Groups– Michael Kent, NCDEA Region Director
- Build it Together and They’ll Come: Partnerships to Support Better Educational Programing- Madison Walter, New Castle Conservation District (DE)
Evening
Governor’s Hall
Lobdell Room
“Deeply Rooted: Family Farming in Delaware” is a 2026 documentary that highlights the resilience and heritage of Delaware’s multi‑generational farm families. The film explores the vital role these family farms play in the state’s agricultural landscape. Agriculture remains one of Delaware’s largest economic drivers, with farms here generating more revenue per acre than those in 47 other states. Yet few people realize that 96% of Delaware farms are family‑owned. This documentary brings that story to life, following several families through an entire growing season and showcasing the deep roots they’ve built in Delaware soil.
A few options within walking distance:
- Big Fish Grill on the Riverfront
4.4 stars, $20–40, Seafood restaurant, 720 Justison St, Wilmington, DE 19801 - River Rock Kitchen, 4.1 stars, $30–50, At the Westin
- Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant – Wilmington
4.1 stars, Brewery, 620 Justison St, Wilmington, DE 19801 - Taco Grande, 4.2 stars, $20–30, 600 Justison St, Wilmington, DE 19801
- Timothy’s Riverfront Grill– 4.0 stars- $20–30, American Restaurant, 930 Justison St, Wilmington, DE 19801
- Del Pez Riverfront, 4.3 stars, $20–30, Gastropub, 400 Justison St, Wilmington, DE 19801
Wednesday, August 26
Registration- 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Morning Sessions- 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Lobdell Room
- Emotional Intelligence & Effective Leadership– While some may think of Emotional Intelligence as a business buzzword, those working in HR and other communications and employee relations fields know that the higher the EQ, the better the employee. We will discuss what Emotional Intelligence and EQ mean and what focusing on raising the awareness and scores of your employees leads to better communication, leadership and productivity.
- Performance Management – Phase I – Coaching for Improved Work Performance; Skillful coaching will develop employees, boost productivity and build team morale. This seminar focuses on helping leaders define and enhance their coaching role. The seminar progresses through defining a coach in regards to Guide, Teacher, Motivator and Mentor. Activities are designed around specific coaching opportunities within the organization. These include a self-assessment as a coach, an assessment of the coaching opportunity and building a specific coaching action plan. The seminar concludes with the Coaching Contract and giving effective feedback.
Harlan & Hollingsworth Room
Moderator: Jen Nelson, DACD
- Panel Discussion: Funding Delaware’s Conservation Districts– Tim Riley, Tyler Brown, Bruce Macolley
- Expanding Revenue Streams for Districts– Erin Lewis, National Fish & Wildlife Foundation, Kristen Saacke Blunk, Headwaters, LLC
Pusey & Jones Room
Moderator: Chelsea Gebbia, DACD
- Agrivoltaics in the Northeast Region– Kelly Buchanan, Lightstar
- Conservation Considerations for Data Center & Solar Development– Scott Cameron, Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District
- Addressing Sediment & Stormwater, Erosion & Sediment Control Training Needs– Sydney Hall, Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control
NACD Northeast Region Board Meeting- Christina Ballroom
Break 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Morning Sessions- 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Lobdell Room
- Performance Management – Phase I (cont.)
Harlan & Hollingsworth Room
Moderator: Courtney Curenton Baker, NACD
- Effective Board Support for New District Leadership- Experiences from RI– Molly Allard & Dick Went, Northern Rhode Island Conservation District
- Harford Soil Conservation District’s Student Associate Program– Lee McDaniel, Harford SCD (MD)
- Building Board Engagement and Developing Next Level Leaders– Courtney Currenton Baker, NACD
Pusey & Jones Room
Moderator: Jen Nelson, DACD
- Panel Discussion: Effective Advocacy and Relationship-Building at the Federal, State and Local Level- Michelle Monroe (VACD), Mike Mason (Providence Strategies), Terry Pepper (Kent County Levy Court)
- NACD Advocacy Initiative and Roles for States and Districts– Jeremy Peters, NACD
- The New Chesapeake Bay Program Agricultural Advisory Committee– Jen Nelson, DACD
- Top Advocacy Resources for Districts from State Associations Around the Country– Jen Nelson, DACD
Pick Up Boxed Lunches at 12:00 PM
Thank you to our Gold Sponsor:
Afternoon- 12:30 - 5:00 PM
Lobdell Room
- Performance Management – Phase II (with break from 2:30 – 3:00 PM)- Disciplining and discharging employees is one of the most difficult responsibilities any manager has to carry out, experienced or not. The workshop will give managers the tools to understand the fair, right and legal way to discipline and discharge employees. The important role performance appraisals play in the performance management process will also be explored.
- Motivating through creating a Culture of Dialogue and positive reinforcement
- Creating an effective performance appraisal
- Documentation: the why and how for supervisors
Group Leader: Madison Walter, New Castle Conservation District (DE
Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at how agriculture, education, and community support come together in Delaware’s food system. This guided tour will highlight innovative farming, food security efforts, and the people working to strengthen our region’s agricultural future.
Our first stop is the Delaware Food Bank Farm, an inspiring model of agriculture serving a greater purpose. Here, crops are grown specifically to support hunger-relief efforts throughout the state. Participants will see how the farm produces fresh, nutritious food for Delaware families while also providing volunteer and educational opportunities that connect people to the land.
Next, we’ll visit the University of Delaware College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, where participants will learn how research, education, and hands-on training are shaping the next generation of farmers, scientists, and environmental stewards. Faculty and staff will share insights into current agricultural research and how the university partners with farmers and communities across the state. Four groups will rotate through stops including the UD Botanic Gardens with Lauren Kope, UD Apiary with Dan Borkoski, UD Fresh to You organic garden with Abby Reeves and the Genuardi Food Innovation Lab (cheese and ice cream) with Jen Rodammer. We’ll wrap up the tour on a sweet note with a stop for locally made ice cream, offering a chance to relax, reflect on the day, and enjoy one of agriculture’s most delicious products. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the farmers, educators, and organizations working together to nourish our communities.
Come curious, leave inspired—and bring your appetite!
THursday, August 27
Morning Sessions- 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Lobdell Room
- Transitional Management – This program is designed around the concept that a Manager/ Supervisor needs to learn to lead as opposed to just manage. Where management means doing things right; leadership means doing the right things. In the program we begin and then end with DVD’s from renowned businessman and leader, James Autry. In between, we explore the idea of how to put people first, which ultimately leads to keeping productivity and motivation high. We learn that being honest and building and maintaining trust with your staff are the two major components of how we lead effectively. At the same time we learn how we need to handle those employees that simply will not accept our trust. The program shows the value of creating a caring environment where individuals are given the opportunity to thrive.
Rooms will be assigned as space is requested
- Northeast Association of RC&D Councils (10:30 AM – 12:00 PM, Harlan & Hollingsworth)
Pusey & Jones Room
This year’s Capacity Building Event will focus on the theme of Expanding Nontraditional Partnerships. The event will feature speakers from the US Fish and Wildlife Service and US Geological Survey.
Then, we will have a facilitated discussion among all event participants where you can learn and share with other districts on building and utilizing nontraditional partnerships and strategize on how the Northeast Region can expand engagement with these partnerships.
All are welcome and encouraged to join this session!
Bistro Lunch at 12:00 PM
Enjoy one more meal together before you travel home! Featuring:
- Baby Spinach Salad with Pickled Red Onions, Mandarin Organges, Crumbled Goat Cheese and Orange Vinaigrette
- Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Medallions with Lemon & Fresh Oregano Sauce
- Seared Salmon with Fried Capers and Lemon Browned Butter
- Rice Pilaf
- Charred Broccolini
- Artisan Rolls
- Assorted French Macaroons and Mini Napoleans
Thank you for joining us in the First State!
See you in Las Vegas for NACD's 81 Annual Meeting, February 6-10, 2027
