Facilitating a review of a plan, report or discussion topic with a group can sometimes feel like herding cats. Brian Stanfield has developed a technique for having a focused conversation that provides an opportunity for individuals to share their thoughts in an intentional and systematic way. “The Art of Focused Conversation” shares a four-step process referred to as ORID. “O” represents discussion on “what” and is a time to talk about the objective data. “R” represents “the gut” discussion and provides an opportunity to reflect on the information and creates a space to share concerns, reactions, and other feelings. The third step, “I” is the time to talk about “so what” and provides for interpretation of the information as it relates to the group including implications. The final step is “D” for talking about the “now what.” This is a chance to talk about the next steps and decisions.  

A tip to using this technique is to share with conversation participants the ORID flow of the conversation before you start. This manages expectations by letting them know the conversation will be structured in an intentional way to move the conversation along, and that they will have an opportunity to talk about their feelings, which is often where many tend to first go. Each step has questions that can be asked to keep the conversation focused. With a little practice, it may become second nature to you and your days of herding cats will be a memory!

Soils form the fabric of conservation planning and understanding the soil survey is foundational to evaluating resource concerns. This two-day course will provide an overview of the soil survey program, methods, soil maps, Web Soil Survey, interpretive information, and other soil resources that support technical staff with the conservation planning process. Soil genesis, properties, and soil-landscape relationships will all be outlined. Participants will have hands-on opportunities in the field with guides, tools, and survey methods to gain confidence and a better understanding of how soils are evaluated and applied to conservation planning.

This two-day course will be offered in two locations statewide:

• April 24-25 in Faribault, MN
• April 27-28 in Detroit Lakes, MN

For more information or to register please click here.

Introduction to Conservation Engineering

The Technical Training and Certification Program (TTCP) will be holding Introduction to Conservation Engineering (ICE!), formerly Engineering Bootcamp, May 8-12 in the Brainerd area. This course is intended for newer conservation staff looking for exposure to common conservation practices and skills in the engineering discipline.

The week will include numerous hands-on activities, outdoor exercises, and a bus trip to installed practices. Engineering topics include: hydrology, erosion control practices, surveying, construction inspection, engineering references, livestock waste, wetlands, livestock watering systems, irrigation, drainage, streambank protection, energy, quality assurance, and soils/geology. Each of these topics will be higher level overviews intended to get participants familiar with a practice’s purpose and application in Minnesota as well as understand the skills needed for implementation. This course does not include mastering in-depth design procedures of any practice. The week will be an excellent opportunity to meet and work with many of the engineering staff in the Minnesota partnership.

There will not be a typical online registration for this course. Reach out to Lea Holter, NRCS (Lea.Holter@usda.gov); Pat Schultz, BWSR (Patrick.Schultz@state.mn.us); or Aaron Peter, BWSR (Aaron.Peter@state.mn.us) if you have questions about the content or to sign up for the course.

Plant ID and Monarch WHEG Training

For 2023, TTCP has arranged a unique collaboration with the Department of Natural Resources and the Xerces Society to provide a Plant ID and Monarch WHEG training session. This session will be held June 22, at the Twin Lakes WMA near Karlstad and include trainers from DNR, NRCS, Xerces, TNC, and TTCP. In this field-based training, participants will practice identifying native plants, classifying Native Plant Communities, and evaluating the ecological integrity of plant communities. Participants will also learn to apply their plant identification skills to assess pollinator habitat using the Monarch Butterfly Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Guide (WHEG). The WHEG will spotlight important plants to the monarch butterfly, including milkweed species and monarch-preferred nectar plants. More information and a link to the registration can be found here.

Locations and Dates:

• Detroit Lakes – August 30
• Aitkin – August 31
• Marshall – September 12
• Oronoco – September 13