2023 Theme for the Latornell Conservation Symposium and Webinar Series

Changing Climates: Our Watershed Moment

We describe a watershed moment as the exact moment that changed the direction of an important historical event. There is a period before and a period after. Watershed moments are fascinating because they are often recognized in hindsight.

This year, the Latornell Conservation Symposium challenges conservation professionals to consider, “Is this our Watershed Moment?” We work in ever-changing environmental, political, social, and economic climates. We’re experiencing the impacts of climate change and subsequent impacts on our watersheds. Recent legislative changes have worsened the perception that development and the environment are at odds. This conflict will have tangible effects on the land and water and the consequences of those effects will be felt for decades. A global economic slowdown and political instability mean fewer funds, and the environment is often sacrificed for basic needs and economic drivers.

Watershed moments are often marked by immense change and apprehension about what’s next. But they are also times of great inspiration, renewal, and rebirth. People and organizations often emerge stronger and more resilient.

What is your watershed moment? Submit your presentation ideas that explore, celebrate, and provide opportunities to address the challenges of adapting to and mitigating our changing climates – environmental, political, social, and economic. To protect biodiversity and maintain healthy watersheds, we must holistically manage our lands and waters, working across borders, watersheds, disciplines, and cultures. Inspire us with new creative partnerships, solutions, and approaches that navigate the changing climate and ensure that we continue to achieve our objectives of healthy lands and waters for all, despite the numerous and mounting watershed challenges.

2023 Symposium Format

We are thrilled to return to the Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington for our one-and-a-half-day in-person event from Monday, October 23-Tuesday, October 24, 2023. We’ve listened to your feedback on last year’s event and we have made some changes to improve your experience this year. We will again host a mix of field trips and workshops on Monday afternoon, with a full day of technical sessions on Tuesday. Again, we will host several webinars throughout the Fall to connect with our broader conservation community across Ontario and beyond.

The cost of the 1.5-day registration package is only $225. A limited number of spots will be available in September and are subject to availability.

We acknowledge that COVID-19 may continue to create uncertainty regarding travel and in-person events. Given this, we may need to pivot to an entirely virtual series of events, and we will ask our speakers to be flexible and understand these difficult circumstances.

2023 Schedule of Events

  • September 26th Webinar
  • October 23rd-24th In-person Symposium at RBG
  • November 21st Webinar
  • January 30th Webinar
  • March 5th Webinar

Contact Us

For Program, Exhibitor and Sponsorship Inquiries

Karen Anderson, Symposium Coordinator
Phone: 1-888-274-1364 ext. 103
Email: karen@allsetinc.com