Plan to participate in person to learn more about the ways that agricultural and urban partners are working together to prepare for extreme weather events and improve water quality around Minnesota. This fourth annual event will focus on extreme weather resiliency, with keynote speaker, Heidi Roop, Ph.D., director, Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership at the University of Minnesota.

Who should attend?

Agricultural, government, local, and urban partners looking for ideas on how to develop and strengthen their relationships while improving the water quality of Minnesota lakes and streams are encouraged to attend.

Tentative agenda

9 a.m.  Welcome

9:15 a.m.  Keynote presentation: Coordination and collaboration for effective climate risk management in Minnesota (Heidi Roop, Ph.D., director, University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership)

• Learn more about the observed and projected impacts of climate change in Minnesota and how to leverage partnerships and collaborate to respond to a range of climate risks challenging Minnesota communities, ecosystems and economy.

10 a.m.  Break

10:15 a.m.  Successful partnership perspectives

• Municipal weatherproofing. Learn more from the City of Albany and Stearns County Soil & Water Conservation District about their water-based infiltration and wetland restoration project that is helping to manage heavy rain events and prevent flooding.
• Building resiliency through soil health. Wilkin County Soil & Water Conservation District is undergoing an extensive soil health study related tillage treatments and adapting to weather changes. Farmer Vance Johnson will share what he’s learned 2 years into the 5 year project, and how soils, water and economics are all being monitored through crop rotations.
• Water communities tackling climate change. Hear how Minnesota watersheds are using their local water management plans to build resiliency to climate change, and their ideas for working with local partners.

11:45 a.m.  Closing