Monday’s keynote speakers will include: USDA Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Krysta Harden; Lt. Governor of Louisiana Jay Dardenne; and Commander for the Mississippi Valley Division of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Major General Michael Wehr. Tuesday’s General Session will focus on the past, present and future of conservation with former USDA NRCS Chief Dave White discussing the history of districts and the conservation movement; panelists representing the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, Environmental Protection Agency, Forest Service, Department of Defense, and Fish and Wildlife Service giving an update on current conservation efforts nationwide; and USDA NRCS Chief Jason Weller providing an outlook on the future of conservation in America.

During Tuesday’s Board of Directors meeting, elections will be held for the 2015 NACD Officer team.

This year, NACD in partnership with USDA NRCS will be hosting its first ever student program, bringing in Gulf Coast area college and university students to attend general sessions and a special student career workshop, where they’ll hear firsthand from local conservation districts, national and state partners, and private sector leaders on careers in conservation.

The week ahead: The Conservation Expo Hall opens tomorrow, Monday, February 2. Tomorrow also features the Share Fair and a full day of breakout sessions.

All enjoyed king cake with a beautiful view of the Mississippi River. The evening ended with costumes and photos next to the beautiful Mardi Gras creations. The NACD Auxiliary hosted the event and money raised go toward the prize for the NACD poster and photo contest.