For more than 50 years, the Natural Areas Conference has been the premier gathering for land and water management practitioners and scientists from federal, tribal, state, regional, and local organizations, as well as NGOs, private industry, and academic institutions, connecting conservation science and those who provide on-the-ground management to protect biodiversity. NAC26 is where practitioners gather to share emerging research and evidence-based practice, and gain access to new relationships, knowledge, and collaboration that can advance plans, practices, and methodologies to address a wide variety of challenges in the management of natural areas.
While a national conference offering content on a wide variety of regional topics, the 2026 Natural Areas Conference (NAC26): Where Science Meets Stewardship will also shine a spotlight on the ongoing recovery from Hurricane Helene, the region’s long-standing commitment to conservation and natural areas stewardship, and many other important land and water management topics from across North America.
This event is a national forum for information exchange among natural areas practitioners. Participants have shared countless stories about how information gained from their participation in this conference had a direct impact on the land they steward.
Why Should You Attend the 2026 Natural Areas Conference (NAC26)?
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Be the first to learn the latest news about the 2026 Natural Areas Conference (NAC26): Where Science Meets Stewardship. Get information about conference planning in Asheville, the call for proposals, and more. Join the NAC26 distribution list.
If you need more information for budgeting purposes or to make the case for participation, please contact us (info@naturalareas.org).
Interested in becoming a sponsor or exhibitor? Contact Lisa Smith for more information (lsmith@naturalareas.org).
Thank You To Our Sponsors!
Support the people who manage our natural areas and protect biodiversity in perpetuity.