2026 Natural Areas Conference

2026 Natural Areas Conference

2026 Natural Areas Conference (NAC26): Where Science Meets Stewardship

October 5-8, 2026 | Crowne Plaza Asheville | Asheville, NC



REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

Learn why you should attend the 2026 Natural Areas Conference (NAC26)


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.

Let us help you "make the case" to attend NAC26.

Learn more about the conference program!


Interested in becoming a sponsor or exhibitor?

Contact Lisa Smith for more information at lsmith@naturalareas.org


Registration**


REGISTER TODAY!

  • Early Bird Registration - $699 (Expires July 31)
  • Registration - $750 (Expires September 25)
  • Late Registration - $750 (Expires October 2)
  • Student Registration - $499 (Expires October 2)


*View the cancellation policy*


Your registration includes:

  • Plenary & Concurrent Sessions, Posters and Roundtables
  • Welcome Reception and Poster Reception
  • Meals:
    • Breakfast: Tuesday & Thursday
    • Lunch: Tuesday & Thursday
    • Beverage Breaks

Also available (optional): Pre-Conference (10/5) & Field Workshop Opportunities (10/7)



Conference Venue & Hotel Accommodations

Crowne Plaza Asheville

1 Resort Drive, Asheville, NC 28806, 828-254-3211
Hotel Reservation (includes our special rate)
Hotel Website

$199 per night - Cut Off Date: Monday, August 31, 2026

Make your reservation today!

Manhattan Conference Center exterior of building



Images from previous conferences

Thank You To Our Sponsors!


esri logo



Sam Shine Foundation logo

Central Indiana Land Trust logo




Invasive Plant Control logo

National Parks Conservation Association logo

Equinox logo


Southern Conservation Partners




Asheville logo

Nature Conservancy logo

The Conservation Fund logo
Southern Appalachian Conservancy logo

Previous years' conference attendees


Land stewardship benefits from shared knowledge rich in a variety of perspectives to enrich learning for all.

JOIN US

Support the people who manage our natural areas and protect biodiversity in perpetuity.