Jointly sponsored by the Colorado State Conservation Board (CSCB) and the Colorado Association of Conservation Districts (CACD), the Emerging Leaders in Conservation (ELC) Program is a 14-month cohort for Conservation District Supervisors, employees, and partner organizations. The program features seven in-person sessions alongside virtual modules, equipping participants with the skills to influence conservation efforts at the local, state, and national levels.
Tentative Program Timeline Overview
Module I: Laying the Foundation (September 16–18) — Broomfield (Colorado Department of Agriculture)
*Note: This includes travel time, not three full days of instruction. We tentatively plan to meet the afternoon of the 16th, a full day on the 17th, and depart on the 18th.*
Module II: District & State Impact (November 10–12) — Colorado Springs
This session runs concurrently with the CACD Annual Meeting.
Module III: Local Action and Regional Collaboration (January 19–20) — Denver
Timed to coincide with the CSCB and CACD joint board meeting. Cohort members will also attend the stock show, where the commissioner and the CACD present the annual Conservation Awards.
Module IV: Peak Performance & National Stage 2027 (February 6–10) — Las Vegas, Nevada
Aligns with the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) annual meeting, offering valuable opportunities to network with conservation leaders from across the country.
Conservation District Day at the State Capitol (May 6, 2027) — Denver
Module V: Watershed Understanding and Engagement (May 11, 2027) — Virtual
Module VI: Strategic Mission, Communication and Advocacy (June 2027, dates TBD) — TBD (Glenwood or Montrose)
Module VII: Local Implementation and Leadership Support (Fall 2027) — Virtual
Program Graduation (November 2027) — Colorado Springs
Graduation activities will take place during the CACD Annual Meeting.
Registration Fee: $250

Compensation: $15,000 Value (Travel, Lodging, Food Provided as well as Registration for all events)

Application Deadline: August 23, 2026

Application Website: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfJ3P03e8rym5FGAfQkMBEeTstRqUxEzgld08T9P5JqFAA7Ng/viewform