Meetings & Events
MASWCD provides educational trainings and events that give SWCDs the tools they need to inform and educate the public they serve. We work side by side with SWCDs to promote and support voluntary natural resource programs that benefit communities across the state.
SWCD Area Meetings
To find the area meeting in your region, please go to Find your SWCD. You may also visit our Meetings & Events Calendar for area meeting dates, locations and agendas.
MASWCD
Annual Convention
The MASWCD Annual Convention is a premier event that draws more than 700 conservation leaders from across the state of Minnesota. It is a three-day event where experts in Minnesota's natural resources gather to network, discuss conservation policies and implementation, and to learn the newest technologies affecting our state's natural resource management.
Learn more by visiting the MASWCD Convention website:
Click HERE for the SWCD Award Info and Applications
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SWCD Governance
This training is essential to SWCD members. It provides the basics of SWCD governance and the leadership instruction necessary to advancing the district's mission. This training provides a clear understanding of governance roles and responsibilities as well as how to apply them practically and correctly within their districts.
Open to newly-hired and veteran supervisors and employees.
District Manager Professional Development Cohort
The Minnesota Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts (MASWCD), is pleased to offer a new professional development training specifically designed for SWCD District Managers. In this educational cohort, you will experience a powerful and collaborative peer-to-peer training experience driven to enhance management principles, financial acumen and operational efficiency. Upon completion, you will have increased confidence in your ability to strengthen relationships, improve efficiency and lead your team.
Legislative Briefing
March 17, 2026​
Radisson Inn, St. Paul
SWCDs participation in MASWCD's advocacy efforts are critical in making sure commitment to SWCD funding does not fall by the wayside. At this event, SWCDs hear from key legislators and learn the latest on SWCD Aid and other issues pending before legislators.
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The following day, SWCDs are encouraged to meet with their legislators as part of the SWCD Day at the Capitol.
Minnesota Department of Revenue Commissioner, Paul Marquart, speaking at the 2025 MASWCD Legislative Briefing
Leadership Institute
The MASWCD Leadership Institute offers research-based curriculum designed to develop leadership skills and confidence to conduct effective conservation work across Minnesota. The Leadership Institute is an opportunity in lifelong learning. In this program, SWCD members will prepare to become an authentic, purposeful leaders. Space is limited. SWCD supervisors and staff of all ages and experience are encouraged to apply.
Minnesota Envirothon
The MN Envirothon is an outdoor field experience and academic competition that educates students ages 14-19 about our state's conservation issues and careers in natural resource management.
Student teams of five compete in local events hosted by their area’s SWCD. The top 3 teams from each area advance to the MN State Envirothon where they compete for only one spot at the National Envirothon. At the National Envirothon, over 25,000 students from around the world compete for scholarships and prizes.
Minnetonka High School - 2025 - won 1st Place at Nationals for Oral Presentation and 8th place overall!
SPONSOR this EVENT or a Student TEAM