What does it mean to care for our lands and waters in a time of climate change, inequity, and ecological loss? The 2026 Land & Water Conservation Summit (March 21, 2026 at URI) will focus on The Work Ahead: Caring for Our Land, Water, and a Just Future, and will explore the complex and necessary acts of conservation and stewardship across Rhode Island’s landscapes and watersheds. 

We are thrilled to welcome Keynote Speaker Ethan Tapper, internationally recognized forester and bestselling author of How to Love a Forest, to share his message of resilience, and the bittersweet work of tending a changing world.  

The Summit invites participants to reflect on what it means to love and steward our lands and waters in a changing world, even when that means making difficult choices. From sustainable forestry, to farmland access, to streambank restoration, to the critical intersections of land use, to environmental advocacy, this year’s programming will center working lands, farmland access, equity in conservation, forest stewardship, and watershed protection. 

Please join us to deepen your understanding, share strategies, and build a more just, resilient future for the places and systems we all depend on. In addition to the keynote, the Summit will feature 25 + engaging workshops and panels, policy updates, and plentiful networking opportunities. You will leave the event inspired and engaged, with a commitment to build a more resilient future together.