PROGRAM

THE LAND TRUST ALLIANCE PRESENTS THE

2016 SOUTHEASTConference for Land and Community Conservation

May 11–13, 2016 I Birmingham, AL Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex

Top Left photo: Cone flower with bee, courtesy of Freshwater Land Trust (AL) Rachel Callahan, photographer; Center Left photo: Hillside, © istockphoto, PeteMuller, photographer; Bottom Left photo: Red Rock Tuesday, photo courtesy of Freshwater Land Trust (AL); Right photo: Cahaba Lily, photo courtesy of Freshwater Land Trust (AL)

Thank you to the Southeast Conference Program Committee, conference sponsors and the faculty

who are volunteering their time, knowledge and expertise.

SPONSORS

Lead Anonymous

Patron

Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation The Conservation Fund

Supporter Alabama Power

Sustainable Forestry Initiative, Inc.

Contributor Southeastern Cave Conservancy, Inc.

PROGRAM COMMITTEE

Melanie Allen Conservation Trust for North Carolina

Liz Barber

Partnership for Gulf Coast Land Conservation

Kevin Brice Land Trust Alliance

Memorie English

Freshwater Land Trust

Yael Girard Weeks Bay Foundation

Justin Lindenberg

Land Trust Alliance

Christine McCauley Madison Morgan Conservancy

Ryan Olson

Muddy Sneakers

Don Owen Lands Trails and Parks LLC and Land Trust Alliance

Tina Simonton

Freshwater Land Trust

Julia Weaver Partnership for Gulf Coast Land Conservation

Heather Yandow

Third Space Studio

ACCREDITED LAND TRUSTS FROM THE SOUTHEAST REGION

Congratulations to the following land trusts working across the Southeast for achieving land trust accreditation Alachua Conservation Trust (FL)

Athens Land Trust (GA) Beaufort County Open Land Trust (SC)

Bluegrass Conservancy (KY) Blue Ridge Conservancy (NC)

Blue Ridge Land Conservancy (VA) Cacapon and Lost Rivers Land Trust (WV)

Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy (NC) Catawba Lands Conservancy (NC)

Central Savannah River Land Trust (GA) Chattahoochee Valley Land Trust (GA)

Congaree Land Trust (SC) Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast (FL)

Conservation Trust for Florida (FL) Conservation Trust for North Carolina (NC)

Ducks Unlimited and its affiliate, Wetlands America Land Trust

Edisto Island Open Land Trust (SC) Eno River Association (NC)

Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina (NC) Freshwater Land Trust (AL)

Georgia-Alabama Land Trust (GA)

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Georgia Piedmont Land Trust (GA) Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust (NC)

Historic Virginia Land Conservancy (VA) Kentucky Natural Lands Trust (KY)

Land Trust for Central North Carolina (NC) Land Trust for Louisiana (LA)

Land Trust for Tennessee (TN) Land Trust for the Mississippi Coastal Plain (MS)

Land Trust of North Alabama (AL) Land Trust of Virginia (VA)

Lookout Mountain Conservancy (TN) Lowcountry Open Land Trust (SC)

Louisville and Jefferson County Environmental Trust (KY) Mainspring Conservation Trust (NC)

Mountain Conservation Trust of Georgia (GA) New River Conservancy (NC) New River Land Trust (VA)

North Carolina Coastal Land Trust (NC) Northern Neck Land Conservancy (VA)

Northern Virginia Conservation Trust (VA) Northwest Arkansas Land Trust (AK)

Oconee River Land Trust (GA) Pee Dee Land Trust (SC)

Piedmont Environmental Council and its affiliate, Piedmont Foundation (VA)

Piedmont Land Conservancy (NC) RiverLink (SC)

Southeastern Trust for Parks and Land (GA) Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (NC)

Southern Conservation Trust (GA) Spartanburg Area Conservancy (SC)

St. Simons Land Trust (GA) Tall Timbers Research Station & Land Conservancy (FL)

Tar River Land Conservancy (NC) Tennessee Parks & Greenways Foundation (TN)

The Conservation Fund and its affiliate, Sustainable Conservation The Nature Conservancy

Upstate Forever (SC) Virginia Eastern Shore Land Trust (VA)

Weeks Bay Foundation (AL) Wolf River Conservancy (TN)

EXHIBITORS

All exhibits are located in Forum J of BJCC near Registration Freshwater Land Trust

Land Trust Accreditation Commission Local Host Committee

Southeastern Cave Conservancy, Inc. Sustainable Forestry Initiative, Inc.

The Conservation Fund U.S. Department of Defense

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Please see floorplan of the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Center (BJCC) in the back of the program on page 12.

Wednesday, May 11th

Noon – 6:30 p.m. Registration Forum J 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Field Trip 1: Rotary Trail Tour Depart from Reg Desk – Forum J Be one of the first to enjoy a historic walking tour of Rotary Trail, downtown Birmingham’s newest greenspace. As part of the city’s evolving public space and greenway system, Rotary Trail connects with the award winning Railroad Park and Regions Field along historic First Avenue South and is an anchor to the Red Rock Ridge & Valley Trail System, a master trail plan for Jefferson County. Enjoy an easy 4-block tour (1½ miles) of the newly opened trail through the heart of downtown, and learn how the largest Rotary Club in the world raised $4 million to bring this linear urban greenway to life for the City of Birmingham. Water will be provided, and attendees are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes and sunscreen. Pre-registration required.

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1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. Field Trip 2: Hike at Red Mountain Park Depart from Reg Desk – Forum J Join the Freshwater Land Trust on a guided hike at Red Mountain Park. Red Mountain Park encompasses 1,500 acres of land along the Red Mountain Ridge in central Alabama and includes over 14 miles of trails; featuring two city overlooks, three tree houses, the six-acre off-leash Remy’s Dog Park, and adventures like the Red Ore Zip Tour and Kaul Adventure Tower. Enjoy a scenic nature hike and learn how an old steel company and small local land trust joined forces in an unlikely partnership to build on of Birmingham’s most historical natural treasures. Water will be provided and attendees are encouraged to wear comfortable walking/hiking shoes and bring sunscreen and a hat. We will carpool to the site. Pre-registration required. 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Welcome Reception Forum J Join your friends for networking and conversation as we kick off the Southeast Conference! Refreshments provided. 6:30 p.m. Dinner on Own

Thursday, May 12th

7 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. Breakfast Forum J 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Registration Forum J 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS A A01. The Rest of the Iceberg: Intro to the Nuts and Bolts of Easement Stewardship Forum F LEADER: Ben Miles, Consultant, Shire Environmental (KY) It has been said that the acquisition of a conservation easement is just the tip of the iceberg - the exciting part we focus on during project development. This workshop will focus on the rest of the iceberg: the long-term stewardship that is required of easement holders. We'll start with a discussion of the important baseline documentation reports, then move on to monitoring procedures, tools, and protocols. We'll also discuss monitoring reports, and how to review these reports and determine next steps. The importance of landowner relations will be discussed, as well as the critical importance of conscientious easement stewardship in the context of a changing climate. (General/Basic) A02. Anatomy of a Real Estate Transaction Forum D LEADER: Reggie Hall, Director, Land Conservation Loan Program, The Conservation Fund (VA) Using case studies based on recent projects, this introductory session dissects typical land conservation projects including both fee and easement transactions. Great for development staff, board members and volunteers new to land conservation! From start to finish, learn the ropes and receive helpful pointers including but not limited to project selection, deal negotiations, stewardship, funding, donor cultivation, etc.(General/Basic) A03. The Current State of Amendments to Conservation Easements Forum E LEADER: Laurel Florio, Attorney/Consultant (GA) This course will examine the latest discussions about conservation easement amendments, the role this tool plays in perpetuity and how to effectively evaluate when and how to amend a conservation easement. (Intermediate/Advanced) A04. Land Trusts + Beginning Farmers = Vibrant Local Food Systems Forum C LEADERS: David Harper, Executive Director, Pee Dee Land Trust (SC); Holly Rippon-Butler, Land Access Program Director, National Young Farmers Coalition (NY) This workshop will focus on the role land trusts can play in helping the next generation of farmers to access land. The National Young Farmers Coalition (NYFC) will share their perspective on the challenge of land access for young farmers, as well as the results of their 2013 report based on a survey of land trusts across the country. NYFC will also discuss a number

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of case studies of innovative ways land trusts are working with farmers across the country to promote farmland access, affordability, and productivity. (Intermediate/Advanced) 10 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Coffee/Tea Break Forum J 10:30 a.m. – Noon CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS B B01. Voices of Experience: Accredited Land Trusts Share Tales from Accreditation Forum E LEADERS: Jennifer Brady-Connor, Associate Director of Technology and Communications, Land Trust Accreditation Commission (NY); Terri Lane, Executive Director, Northwest Arkansas Land Trust (AR); Bob Wenner, Wolf River Greenway Coordinator, Wolf River Conservancy (TN); Pam Young, Executive Director, Southern Conservation Trust (GA) Accredited land trusts that recently achieved accreditation will share first-hand accounts about how they prepared (including planning, allocation of resources, time needed, etc.) and any advice they have for achieving accreditation. (Intermediate/Advanced) B02. Host Smarter Fundraising Events that Deliver for Your Organization Forum D LEADER: Brooke Battle, Founder/CEO, Swell Fundraising (AL) Fundraising events are the most visible example of an organization's culture. Innovative, impactful events will impress donors and advocates. This workshop will breakdown the components of a fundraising event and present tools that a nonprofit organization can easily implement to gain better results for the organization. (General/Basic) B03. The “All Lands” Conservation Vision, and How Your Land Trust Fits In Forum C LEADERS: Mike Murphy, Forest Legacy and Community Forest Program Manager, US Forest Service (GA); Paul Trianosky, Chief Conservation Officer, Sustainable Forestry Initiative (TN) Conservationists have long understood the value of planning and execution of conservation objectives at a landscape scale. In the last few years, the USDA has led the way in espousing the “All Lands” concept, which proposes to ensure engagement of all landowners within a conservation landscape in the attainment of a mutually held vision. This session will bring together elements of conservation science, engagement of large landowners, and conservation of community forests to illustrate creative ways in which land trusts can participate in the All Lands approach. (General/Basic) B04. The Integration of Mobile Apps and Unmanned Aerial Forum F Vehicles for 21st Century Stewardship Capabilities LEADERS: Robert D. Keller, Chief Executive Officer, Atlantic Coast Conservancy (GA); Cheyenne Steptoe, Conservation Technician, Atlantic Coast Conservancy (GA); David White, Conservation Technician, Atlantic Coast Conservancy (GA) The Atlantic Coast Conservancy has designed a new mobile app (Nature Calls™) that integrates current stewardship capabilities with futuristic unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). This presentation will explore certain UAV platforms (DJI Phantom 2 quad copters), will demonstrate how the Atlantic Coast Conservancy is currently using this platform to fulfill its monitoring responsibilities under IRS Code 170(h) and Land Trust Standards and Practices, and will propose new usages and protocols for enhancing stewardship capabilities. (Intermediate) Noon – 12:45 p.m. Lunch Forum J 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Welcoming Address and Plenary: Forum G/H/I

Land Conservation Connects Us All PLENARY SPEAKERS: Andrew Bowman President of the Land Trust Alliance; Robyn Carlton, Chief Executive Officer of Lookout Mountain Conservancy (TN). Plenary welcome by Kevin Brice, Southeast Director of the Land Trust Alliance Land trust leaders in the South are increasingly embracing the intersection of land and people and exploring ways conservation can change lives. Land protection strategies that were once only focused on natural habitats are being modified to strengthen communities, provide jobs, engage students and get people outside – ultimately, benefiting a greater diversity of people. Come meet the Alliance's new president, Andrew Bowman, who will speak about his vision for the land trust community, and hear from Robyn Carlton and her partners as they bring new perspectives and engage the next generation to grow conservation into a more inclusive and equitable movement.

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2 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Coffee/Tea Break Forum J 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS C C01. Advocacy Made Easy: Advancing Land Trust Missions through Public Policy Forum F LEADERS: Andy McLeod, Director of Advocacy, Land Trust Alliance (DC); Christine McCauley, Executive Director, Madison-Morgan Conservancy (GA) As land trusts grow and serve more communities in the South, the needs to engage on public issues and with elected officials are growing, and the potential political influence of the nearly 200 land trusts in 12 southern states is great. Yet, not enough land trusts in our region engage in policy advocacy because of understandable workload demands, resource constraints, and wariness of the controversial or the political. The Alliance seeks to help make the majority of land trusts active public policy advocates. The skills that make land trusts successful in fundraising, education and outreach, and stewardship are also those that are central to advocacy. (General/Basic) C02. Southeast Land Trusts Conserving Nature's Stage: It's Not Just for Forum D Climate Change Anymore LEADERS: Jennifer Melville, Vice President Conservation Grants and Loans, Open Space Institute (ME); Joel Houser, Southeast Conservation Director, Land Trust for Tennessee (TN) This session will introduce the Conserving Nature’s Stage (CNS) approach to addressing climate change-driven challenges; update experienced users on “version 2.0” and related new products and tools; discuss the ancillary benefits of CNS; illustrate recent land trust experiences in using the data; engage participants in identifying and overcoming obstacles to using the data; and seek feedback from land trusts about their perceived need for and benefit from using the CNS approach. (Intermediate/Advanced) C03. Department of Defense: Engaging Private Landowners in Forum E Multi-Purpose Conservation LEADERS: Jason Winner, GIS Program Coordinator for Land Use Planning/Conservation, Marstel Day LLC (VA); Steve Friedman, Chief of Real Estate, Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GA); Ryan Orndorff, Deputy Director, Readiness & Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Program (DC); Trevor Cutsinger, Business Manager, The Conservation Fund (VA) As part of the Department of Defense’s Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Program, our panelists will share examples of partnerships and projects that have had long-lasting community benefits through maintenance of working lands or natural resources management. The session will highlight efforts to create new tools/incentives to engage landowners and communities in multi-layered conservation. Session organizers will prepare an example scenario in advance for attendees to workshop in the second half of the session. The facilitated discussion will focus on how to engage private landowners in conservation practices that go beyond conservation easements to advance layered objectives including community development, habitat/species objectives, and maintenance of working lands. Panelists will assist session attendees as they seek to answer questions we would pose to them about implementing new approaches for landscape level conservation and beneficial habitat/species outcomes. (Intermediate/Advanced) C04. Making Urban Conservation Work for the Environment, the Economy Forum C and the People LEADERS: Shannon Lee, Conservation Associate, The Conservation Fund (GA); Wendy Jackson, Executive Director, Freshwater Land Trust (AL) The Conservation Fund and Freshwater Land Trust will partner to highlight similar urban conservation projects currently underway in Atlanta and Birmingham. Each group is working with underserved and disadvantaged communities to address long term environmental degradation, by engaging residents in triple bottom line projects that focus on environmental, economic, and social justice outcomes for local residents. Discussion will include workforce training and employment opportunities, community engagement and education strategies, planning and implementation of green infrastructure, and building strong, collaborative partnerships that include a cross section of nonprofits, foundations, corporations, government agencies, and most importantly grassroots, community groups. (General/Basic)

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4 p.m. – 5 p.m. Free Time Free time to engage, explore or exercise.

5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Networking Topic Tables Forum J Are you interested in friendly conversation, networking and refreshments after a day of workshops? To spur conversation, we will have topic tables divided by subjects such as developing stronger corporate partnerships, exploring innovative funding for conservation acquisitions and building relationships with your elected officials.

7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Farm to Table Dinner at Bottle & Bone Continue conversations with your friends and colleagues and join us for a casual farm to table dinner at Bottle & Bone, an Uptown district restaurant emphasizing local meats and beers. Bottle & Bone is located at 2311 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N #200, just 1 block from the BJCC. Pre-registration and additional fee required ($30).

Friday, May 13th

7:30 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. Breakfast Forum J

7:30 a.m. – Noon Registration Forum J

8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS D

D01. Your Input Wanted: Standards and Practices Revisions Forum D LEADERS: Sylvia Bates, Director of Standards and Educational Services, Land Trust Alliance (NH); Shane Wellendorf, Conservation Coordinator, Tall Timbers Research Station & Land Conservancy (FL) The Land Trust Alliance is leading a collaborative process to revise Land Trust Standards and Practices (the Standards) to reflect changes in the legal and operational environment of the land trust community over the last decade and to provide alignment with the Land Trust Accreditation Program, Terrafirma and the wide array of resources supporting best practices for land trusts. This session will discuss the background and approach to the Standards revisions process and collect high-level feedback on an initial draft, which will supplement a detailed online input process. Participants are encouraged to download the Standards Discussion Draft from the Alliance website in advance. (Intermediate/Advanced)

D02. Working with Foundations - Keys to Success Forum C LEADER: Reggie Hall, Director, Land Conservation Loans, The Conservation Fund (VA) Wonder what it takes to receive a grant from a foundation? Received grants before but want to submit a more compelling application? How do grant makers make decisions? What do they look for? This interactive panel discussion will answer these questions and many more to help you understand the world of foundations, how they evaluate your proposal and how you can better position your group to achieve success and receive their support. (General/Basic)

D03. Winning Land Conservation Ballot Measures Forum E LEADER: Will Abberger, Director, Conservation Finance, The Trust for Public Land (FL) Voter-approved, local land conservation and parks funds can be used for a variety of purposes: protecting drinking water supplies, conserving wildlife habitat, farmland preservation, creating trails, restoration of natural systems, and park and recreation development and maintenance. This workshop will explore current national and regional trends, discuss how communities that are considering a land conservation ballot measure can design the measure to give it best possible chance for success, and highlight case studies of recent successful ballot measures with an emphasis on the role of land trusts. The session will focus on understanding local attitudes towards conservation and structuring a proposal that is responsive to the unique needs of each community. (Intermediate)

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D04. Transform Your Communications through Storytelling Forum F LEADERS: Elizabeth Ward, Communications Director, Land Trust Alliance (DC), Heather Yandow, Facilitator, Third Space Studio (NC) Whether you need people to donate, volunteer or advocate, storytelling can be one of the most powerful tools available to you. Some people are born storytellers, but storytelling is as much science as art, and anyone has the capacity to be an effective and engaging storyteller. Learn about how and why storytelling works and what makes a good story, then craft and share your story. (All Levels) 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Coffee/Tea Break Forum J 10:30 a.m. – Noon CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS E E01. Corporate Partners for Conservation: A Businesslike Approach Forum D LEADERS: Wendy Jackson, Executive Director, Freshwater Land Trust (AL); Representatives from Alabama Power Company, Regions Bank, Vulcan Materials Company and US Steel This session will tell the story of how unlikely partners have come to the table around the message of land conservation. Specifically, we will explain the benefits of taking a businesslike approach to conservation in order to bring impactful projects to life and how to cultivate relationships within the business community. From a local mining company, to a power company, to the nation’s largest steel company, we’ll discuss how land conservation has a message for everyone. (Intermediate) E02. Strange Bedfellows: Building Conservation Alliances and Forum E Partnerships in Unexpected Places LEADERS: Kyle Williams, Conservation Director, Athens Land Trust (GA); Claire Cooney, Senior Major Gifts & Communications Officer, The Conservation Fund (VA); Ralph Knoll, Tennessee State Representative, The Conservation Fund (VA) Athens Land Trust was founded as both a conservation land trust and community land trust. Over the years, we have added a community agriculture program and taken on a number of unconventional projects as relationships to our local community and partners have led us to explore the many ways land use decisions affect us all. The Conservation Fund was created on the premise that protecting the environment and growing the economy don’t have to be separate, but can go hand-in-hand. For 30 years, we’ve worked around the country to ensure treasured places are protected, but also that these places can contribute to a healthy economy. In this workshop, we will help you identify allies in unexpected corners of your community and plan a project or event to engage them. We will highlight a few unique partnerships in the Southeast that demonstrate the Fund’s innovative approach with what some would consider non-traditional partners. And we will share examples of how Athens Land Trust's three programs complement each other and create new opportunities for conservation alliances. (General/Basic) E03. Stories from Three Years of Terrafirma Conservation Defense Forum F LEADERS: Carl Silverstein, Executive Director, Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (NC); Kevin Hicks, Southeast Members Committee Representative, Terrafirma (NC) Wondering how it is going with Terrafirma Risk Retention Group following the first three full years of helping land trusts defend their conservation portfolios? Join the panel for many stories and trends plus an open conversation about results, claims trends, forecasts, financial stability, premiums and anything else on your mind about the world’s only conservation defense liability insurance company. (General/Basic) Noon – 12:45 p.m. Lunch Forum J CONFERENCE CONCLUDES

Cover page photos: Left photo: Cone flower with bee, courtesy of Freshwater Land Trust (AL) / Rachel Callahan, photographer; Top photo: Red Rock Tuesday, photo courtesy of Freshwater Land Trust (AL); Right photo: Cahaba Lily, photo courtesy of Freshwater Land Trust (AL).

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FACULTY BIOGRAPHIES The Land Trust Alliance gratefully thanks the 2016 Southeast Conference faculty who spend hours developing the content of their

sessions, compiling their materials and travelling to Birmingham to share their knowledge and expertise. The Alliance could not offer such a variety of quality workshops without their dedication to the conservation community. Please take time to thank them for their

contribution. Will Abberger is director of the Trust for Public Land's (TPL) national Conservation Finance program, helping state and local governments and citizen groups throughout the United States gauge public support for open space and craft ballot measures that generate new sources of funding for parks and conservation. He has been directly involved in more than seventy state and local land conservation ballot measures and dozens of legislative campaigns. (D03)

Sylvia Bates is the director of Standards and Research for the Land Trust Alliance and, since 2006, leads the Alliance's work on Land Trust Standards and Practices, land trust assessments, the Standards and Practices Curriculum and other cutting-edge issues. She has worked in the land conservation field since 1987, most recently as an independent consultant and real estate broker, providing assistance to land trusts, landowners and public agencies on land conservation projects, easement stewardship and organizational development. She was formerly the director of land protection for the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests. Sylvia has a degree in environmental biology from Yale University and has done graduate work at the Yale School of Forestry. (D01)

Brooke Battle is the founder/CEO of Swell Fundraising, a technology solution that enables fundraising events to increase revenue through the power of peer-to-peer fundraising. Launched in 2012, the company won Alabama’s statewide startup competition in 2014 and has grown quickly with events across the country serving a variety of nonprofits and raising millions through events. She has presented workshops at the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Alabama Association of Nonprofits, and the Women’s Funding Network conferences. (B02)

Andrew Bowman is president of the Land Trust Alliance. Before joining the Alliance in February 2016, Andrew served as the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation’s program director for the environment. In that capacity, he oversaw all environmental grant-making for the foundation. During his 11 years at the foundation, Andrew developed and obtained approval of more than $100 million in grants and program-related investments. He also served as director of the foundation’s Climate Change Initiative, a five-year grants program focused on climate change mitigation. Prior to his work at the foundation, Andrew practiced law in Oregon for Defenders of Wildlife and at the law firm Perkins Coie LLP. He remains an active member of the Oregon State Bar. In 1995, Andrew earned a master's degree in city and regional planning from the University of California at Berkeley as well as a Juris Doctor from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, in San Francisco. In 2003, he received a Master of Law in environmental and natural resources law from the Northwestern School of Law of Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon. His

undergraduate education was at the University of California at Berkeley, where he was a Truman Scholar. (Plenary) Jennifer Brady-Connor designs and maintains the systems and materials that ensure accreditation applicants and accredited land trusts have a good user experience and tools needed to promote the accreditation brand. She has reviewed more than 70 applications for first-time and renewal accreditation since joining the Commission in March 2008. Previously she worked for a local land trust, followed by many years at the Land Trust Alliance where she provided technical assistance to land trusts and aided in Land Trust Standards and Practices revisions. (B01)

Robyn Carlton is chief executive officer of Lookout Mountain Conservancy. Over the past several years Robyn and her board have developed a strong and dynamic community-conservation initiative serving at-risk youth while enhancing their land conservation efforts. Lookout Mountain Conservancy is committed to serving and assisting community needs using conservation as a tool to do so. Robyn comes to conservation with a master's degree in education and psychological counseling. (Plenary)

Claire Cooney is the senior major gifts and communications officer for The Conservation Fund. She works with donors in the Southeast region of the country - Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, to tap into their passion for conservation through visits and tours of the Fund’s projects. She also drives our integrated messaging outreach to donors and prospective donors by sharing the compelling personal stories of our work. Claire holds a bachelor’s degree from Southwestern University. (E02)

Trevor Cutsinger is the business manager of The Conservation Fund's Working Forest Fund, where he oversees the financial and business functions of the Fund's growing portfolio of working timberland across the United States. Trevor also supports the Working Forest Fund's forest operations, real estate acquisitions, dispositions and fundraising. Prior to joining The Conservation Fund in 2012, Trevor worked with the U.S. Army on its military buffering program, focusing on wetland and species mitigation, conservation easements and fee acquisitions in partnership with nonprofit organizations. He holds a master’s degree in environmental management from the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University. (C03)

Laurel Florio is an attorney and consultant primarily working with land transactions and conservation easements. She has been participating as a member of the Alliance's faculty for many years, conducts seminars and training sessions for the Alliance and other entities, as well as acts as a consultant to the Alliance, land trusts,

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landowners, governmental and other nonprofit organizations around the country. (A03)

Steve Friedman is chief of real estate for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and directs all of the real estate acquisitions and conservation easements for State Parks, Wildlife Management Areas, Natural Areas and Boat Ramps. He works closely with numerous partners, including land trusts and federal agencies such as the Department of Defense. He was awarded a Certificate of Excellence by the Department of Defense in 2008 for his work on the Townsend Bombing Range Fort Barrington acquisition in partnership with U.S. Marine Corp. (C03)

Reggie Hall is the director of The Conservation Fund's land conservation loan program, where he works with land trusts, nonprofits, community partners and government leaders nationwide to save special places outdoors. He started his land conservation career at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida before moving on to the Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy in NC. He has a law degree from Vermont Law School and a bachelor’s degree from Williams College. (A02, D02)

David Harper is executive director of Pee Dee Land Trust in eastern South Carolina, and has 25 years of experience in all aspects of land conservation and farmland preservation in rural and urbanizing regions. He has raised more than $6 million in grants toward this work in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern United States, and has worked with landowners and land trusts to preserve more than 4,000 acres of farm and forest land, natural areas and historic sites. He serves on the board of Eat Smart Move More South Carolina, an obesity prevention organization, and a conservation organization, Unique Places to Save. He holds an undergraduate degree in political science and city and regional planning from the University of California at Berkeley, and a master’s degree in regional planning from the University of Pennsylvania, where he later designed and taught a masters level course in land conservation. David and his wife Caroline maintain a blog, Southern Terroir (www.southernterroir.com) in which they cover stories of artisan food and craft producers, processors, and purveyors whose products reflect the culture, soils, and climate of the American South. (A04)

Kevin Hicks is the southeast members committee representative for Terrafirma Risk Retention Services LLC. (E03)

Joel Houser is the Land Trust for Tennessee's Southeast conservation director. He is responsible for the land trust's work in southeast Tennessee and the southern Cumberland Plateau and works from the Chattanooga, TN office. Joel received a master’s degree in environmental science from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Previously, Joel directed Crabtree Farms of Chattanooga, a regional nonprofit project in sustainable agriculture founded in 1999. Joel uses a collaborative approach to land projects and conservation planning. (C02)

Wendy Jackson is the executive director of Freshwater Land Trust and has more than 20 years of experience in the field of real estate with most of those years spent in conservation. Since joining the

Freshwater Land Trust in 2001, Wendy's passion for river and land conservation has fueled her work to establish meaningful projects such as the Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, the Five Mile Creek Greenways project, and Red Mountain Park. Wendy has also played a vital role in spearheading the plan for the Red Rock Ridge and Valley Trail System which has been an integral part of downtown Birmingham's revitalization. (C04, E01)

Robert Keller is the chief executive officer of the Atlantic Coast Conservancy/Pelican Coast Conservancy/Emerald Coast Conservancy/Magnolia Coast Conservancy/Crescent City Conservancy, and has integrated 21st Century technology into all facets of land conservation throughout the southeastern United States. (B04)

Ralph Knoll is the deputy director for the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands, where he is primarily responsible for the Bureau’s land acquisition, policy development, and management planning systems. Ralph has been with the Bureau for 25 years, and spent the first 15 years in a field as a forester and regional manager. He was heavily involved in the creation of the Bureau’s Ecological Reserve System through developing the legislation, and implementing the system as it exists today. He has a bachelor’s degree in forest management and a master’s degree from the University of Maine. (E02)

Terri Lane is executive director of the Northwest Arkansas Land Trust, a land trust that works to protect land with ecological, agricultural, scenic, historic and recreational importance in the greater 4-county region of Northwest Arkansas, with significant focus on green infrastructure planning and watershed protection. Terri grew up on a small farm in Fayetteville, AR and graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in environmental soil and water science. Her career in conservation includes environmental education, adventure programming, small business ownership, and nonprofit management. Married with two daughters, she currently serves on the Open Space Plan Advisory Committee for the Northwest Arkansas Planning Commission; is on the board of directors for the Fayetteville Natural Heritage Association (FNHA); and the Arkansas Urban Forestry Council; Certified Arkansas Master Naturalist since 2011; recognized by Fayetteville Public Schools for developing school habitat/outdoor classrooms, and by the City of Fayetteville for leading the city to become the first certified Community Wildlife Habitat in the state of Arkansas. (B01)

Shannon Lee has been with The Conservation Fund since 2010, as the conservation associate for Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee. She has worked for the past three years with local residents and community members in Atlanta to implement a Parks with Purpose project. The goal of this program is to ensure that Triple Bottom Line benefits are incorporated into new parks and greenspaces – providing positive environmental, economic, and social justice outcomes for underserved, urban communities. (C04)

Christine McCauley is the executive director at Madison-Morgan Conservancy in Georgia. (C01)

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Andy McLeod has been the advocacy director of the Land Trust Alliance since January 2015. His previous roles include: director of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management; deputy and assistant secretary of the California Natural Resources Agency; press secretary to two US Senators; Florida government affairs director for both the Nature Conservancy and the Trust for Public Land; executive director of Goodwood Museum & Gardens in Tallahassee FL; and producer of the "Viva 500" (quincentenary educational initiative) of the Florida Humanities Council. The holder of a bachelor’s degree from George Washington University and master's degrees from Harvard University and Georgetown University, Andy has served on boards including the Florida Earth Foundation, Friends of the Museums of Florida History, and the Tallahassee Trust for Historic Preservation. (C01)

Jennifer Melville is vice president, conservation grants and loans, for the Open Space Institute (OSI). In addition, Jennifer serves as OSI's New England/Southern Canada field coordinator. Jennifer provides oversight for OSI grant programs from Southern Canada to Alabama and also develops and administers OSI's land conservation funds in the northeast - including the Resilient Landscape Initiative, Community Forest Fund and Transborder Land Conservation Fund. Prior to joining OSI in 2008, Jennifer worked for the Trust for Public Land (TPL) for 12 years, establishing TPL's first Maine field office. Previously, she served as the conservation director at the Appalachian Mountain Club and worked as a planner for the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Management. She is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, holds a master’s degree from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies and lives and works in Southern Maine. (C02)

Ben Miles grew up in central Kentucky and upon his return to the region in 2014, he started a consulting company called Shire Environmental to help nonprofits, landowners, and citizens work on conservation projects and other organizational development issues. Previously, Ben served as executive director of a land trust, was president of the board of directors for a regional council of land trusts and currently serves on two nonprofit boards. (A01)

Mike Murphy is an Independent Contractor at the U.S. Forest Service. (B03)

Ryan Orndorff is the deputy director of the Readiness & Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Program. (C03)

Holly Rippon-Butler is the and access campaign manager with the National Young Farmers Coalition (NYFC), where she works with policy makers and land trust to increase land access for the next generation of farmers. In addition to her work with NYFC, she farms with her parents on their third-generation dairy and beef farm in Upstate New York. Prior to joining NYFC, Holly worked with the American Farmland Trust and the Agricultural Stewardship Association in New York. (A04)

Carl Silverstein serves on the claims committee of Terrafirma Risk Retention Group. Terrafirma is a charitable risk pool created by the national Land Trust Alliance to insure its members against the legal

costs of defending conservation interests. Since 2000, Carl has served as executive director of the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (SAHC), based in Asheville, NC. SAHC has protected more than 69,000 acres in nationally significant locations in the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee, including the Highlands of Roan, Appalachian Trail corridor, crest of the Black Mountains, Balsam Mountains, and Smoky Mountains. Previously, Carl was an attorney with a Seattle law firm. (E03)

Cheyenne Steptoe is the conservation technician at Atlantic Coast Conservancy/Pelican Coast Conservancy. (B04)

Paul Trianosky serves as chief conservation officer, where he provides leadership for Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), conservation programs, principal liaison with conservation organizations and guidance toward the development of standards and programs that ensure the attainment of conservation objectives. He works to maintain partnerships, grow the network of conservation organizations involved in the SFI Program, and to ensure relevance of SFI's work in promoting sustainable supply chains and responsible sourcing. Paul oversees SFI's Conservation Impact initiative and its Conservation and Community Partnerships Grant Program. He monitors conservation research developments and advancements in sustainable forestry to identify opportunities to further the SFI Program and activities of SFI Program Participants. Paul brings nearly 30 years of experience in forestry, nonprofit management, forest certification, collaborative partnerships and landscape-scale conservation. Before joining SFI, Paul was director of southern forest conservation for the American Forest Foundation. Prior to AFF, Paul held numerous positions with The Nature Conservancy for almost 20 years, including roles in executive management, and nearly 10 years directing forest conservation strategies in the southeastern United States. Paul has a bachelor’s degree in forest resource management from Virginia Tech, and a master’s degree in environmental management from Duke University. (B03)

Elizabeth Ward is the vice president of communications for the Land Trust Alliance. Previously she was at The Nature Conservancy, which she first joined in 2004 as director of marketing communications. Among other roles, she was responsible for the Conservancy's flagship marketing channels, including the award-winning Nature Conservancy magazine; elite media relations; brand marketing; film and video; digital marketing and strategic communications for the Conservancy's policy, strategy and science work. She is a graduate of Wellesley College. (D04)

Shane Wellendorf is the conservation coordinator at Tall Timbers Research Station & Land Conservancy. He coordinates the Land Conservancy’s conservation easement program; conducts fieldwork and GIS mapping, works with landowners, managers, and foresters on conservation management plans. (D01)

Bob Wenner was raised on Long Island, NY and grew up riding his bicycle on the nearby neighborhood trails. Bob's career in conservation began in 2011, after a successful career in the retail business and commercial real estate, when he was hired on a part-

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time basis to lead the Wolf River Greenway trail project a $40 million public/private partnership with the City of Memphis, TN to develop a 24-mile greenway trail along the Wolf River. In 2013, he became the chief financial officer and director of lands. Recently, he led the Conservancy's efforts to become an accredited land trust which was awarded in August, 2015. Bob holds a Texas CPA license and a Tennessee real estate license. He serves on the board of the Memphis chapter of Lambda Alpha International. He received a master’s degree in accounting from Louisiana Tech University and a bachelor’s degree in management from Harding University. (B01)

David White is a conservation technician with the Atlantic Coast Conservancy where he currently serves as the lead on integration of unmanned aerial vehicles into land stewardship roles. (B04)

Kyle Williams is conservation director of the Athens Land Trust (ALT), where he works to connect people and conserved land in Georgia through ALT’s conservation program. Kyle’s previous experiences include teaching at Stanford University, community forestry in New Haven, CT and sustainability metrics research at Yale. He also worked for MASS Design Group in Boston and Port-au-Prince, Haiti. He holds a master’s degree in urban ecology from Yale University and a master’s degree in design from Stanford University. (E02)

Jason Winner is Marstel-Day's GIS program coordinator for land use planning/conservation. He specializes in planning for strategic land conservation, climate change adaptation, working lands preservation, conservation partnering opportunities, and compatible land use. His work includes creating multi-stakeholder land use strategies and developing decision support systems that

prioritize critical lands and resources. Mr. Winner is a professional landscape architect and a certified GIS Professional with 15 years of experience in planning information systems. (C03)

Heather Yandow brings more than a decade of experience as an outreach coordinator, coalition leader, project manager, and fundraiser to Third Space Studio and her clients. Her most recent nonprofit position was as the director of development and communications with the North Carolina Conservation Network. Heather has also served on the board of Democracy NC, North Carolina's Network of Young Nonprofit Professionals, and the Beehive Collective. She holds a certificate in nonprofit management from Duke University and is a trained facilitator. (D04)

Pam Young has 30 years in nonprofit executive management and outdoor education allowed Pam to lead Southern Conservation Trust (SCT) during their recent achievement of becoming an accredited land trust. Having successfully guided two other nonprofits through national accreditation, Pam's ability to guide volunteers during the arduous process was instrumental to SCT's success. She holds a master's degree in organizational management and is actively involved in local civic organizations, chambers of commerce and environmental groups. Young received the Fayette Chamber of Commerce 2010 Chet Wells Award for Exemplary Service where she served on the board of directors for six years and as treasurer for two years. Additionally Young has been working with the Upper Flint River Working Collaborative, Fayette Visioning, Georgia Water Coalition, and Georgia's Environmental Nonprofit Sector Convening Committee.. (B01)

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Sign up for the Southeast eNEWS Email southeast@lta.org to be added to our mailing list.

The Learning Center

Didn’t get a copy of your workshop materials? Many conference materials will be available online at http://learningcenter.lta.org. All Alliance member land trusts will be able to access The Learning Center and visit the digital library to view and download materials submitted by presenters of the 2016 Southeast Conference.

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BJCC – MEDICAL FORUM FLOORPLANS 

 

 

 

 

BJCC‐ MEDICAL 

FORUM  

SECOND FLOOR 

BJCC‐ MEDICAL 

FORUM  

THIRD FLOOR 

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