Conservation Planning 101
The National Conservation Planning Partnership (NCPP) is piloting a streamlined training approach to make certification more achievable. This series combines two required courses — Conservation Planning Part 2 and Soil Health and Sustainability — into a coordinated hybrid experience, helping you:
- Complete both courses in a single effort
- Blend online and in-person learning for flexibility
- Receive support before, during, and after training
Because class size will be limited, participants will be selected through an application process. Applications will be prioritized based on readiness, commitment, need, and organizational support.
Ideal Candidates
By participating in this pilot project, you’ll help shape the future of how conservation planners across the country earn certification.
This pilot is a great fit if you:
- Are actively working toward conservation planner certification
- Have been waiting for Conservation Planning Part 2 or Soil Health and Sustainability
- Have completed most prerequisite courses or planner-level requirements
- Are ready to complete certification soon after the pilot
Have support from your supervisor, district board, or agency to participate.
2026 Pilot Courses
We are currently accepting applications for the first pilot session!
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Dates: February 17–20, 2026
Event: Held in conjunction with the 2026 National Association of Conservation Districts’ Annual Meeting
Course Maximum: 40
Additional sessions will take place in 2026, including Grand Rapids, MI, and Pittsburgh, PA. If you can’t attend San Antonio, sign up to receive more information as it becomes available.
Applicant Requirements & Expectations
- Obtain organizational support
- Attend a kick-off meeting
- Complete required online sessions prior to the in-person event
- Fully participate in the multi-day, hands-on field training
Complete certification requirements within 6 months of the in-person training
Pre-Training Timeline
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Organizational Support Requirements
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Participant Selection
Because this is a training program, participation is limited. Priority goes to those demonstrating the greatest readiness, commitment, and need. Applications will be reviewed using a scoring rubric considering:
- Experience and time in your current role
- Completion of prerequisites
- Commitment to full participation
- Supervisor or board support
- Motivation and professional goals
- Certification backlog or urgency
- Equity or regional need
Resources & Waitlist
Informational Flyer
Take this opportunity to your board or supervisor!
Future Session Waitlist
Can’t attend San Antonio? Stay informed about future sessions in Grand Rapids, MI, and Pittsburgh, PA.
Questions?
We’re here to help. For questions about eligibility, scheduling, or applications, contact:
Jan Thomas, jan@ucdwa.org
