Oklahoma Conservation Leaders to Gather for Annual State Meeting

OACD's 'Homecoming' event to focus on celebrating legacy and addressing modern challenges

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts (OACD) is set to hold its annual state meeting from March 1-3, 2026 at the new OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark in Oklahoma City. The three-day event, themed "Homecoming: One Land, One Legacy", will bring together conservation district directors from across the state to discuss legislative updates, receive technical training, and recognize outstanding contributions to the field.

Why it matters

The OACD annual meeting serves as a critical gathering point for the state's agricultural stewards, providing an opportunity to align on priorities, share best practices, and ensure Oklahoma's conservation legacy continues to thrive in the face of modern challenges like drought and climate change.

The details

According to OACD Executive Director Jean Lam, the meeting's agenda will feature a robust schedule of sessions covering legislative updates, technical training, and partnership building. A key focus will be recognizing outstanding contributions to conservation, with awards for youth leaders, district employees, and state legislators who have championed conservation statutes.

  • The 2026 OACD Annual State Meeting is scheduled for March 1-3, 2026.
  • The early bird registration deadline is February 10, 2026.

The players

Jean Lam

The executive director of the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts (OACD).

KC Sheperd

The farm director for Oklahoma Farm Report, who interviewed Jean Lam about the upcoming OACD meeting.

OACD

The Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts, which represents the state's network of conservation districts and is hosting the annual meeting.

OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark

The newly unveiled venue in Oklahoma City that will host the 2026 OACD Annual State Meeting.

USDA

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which offers climate-smart agriculture funding opportunities that will be discussed at the OACD meeting.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This meeting is our 'homecoming' in every sense of the word. It is about bringing our family of conservationists back together to remember why we do this work. We are celebrating the legacy of those who came before us—the ones who built these districts out of the Dust Bowl—while equipping our current producers with the tools they need to ensure that legacy survives for another century.”

— Jean Lam, Executive Director, Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts (Oklahoma Farm Report)

“Our districts are the boots on the ground for everything from drought response to soil health education. When we gather in March, the goal is to make sure every district director leaves feeling empowered and supported, knowing they have a statewide network behind them.”

— Jean Lam, Executive Director, Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts (Oklahoma Farm Report)

“Whether you are a large-scale cattle operator or a specialty crop grower, the principles of stewardship remain the same. This meeting is where we share the data, the strategies, and the stories that help our neighbors keep their land productive.”

— Jean Lam, Executive Director, Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts (Oklahoma Farm Report)

What’s next

Registration for the 2026 OACD Annual State Meeting is currently open, with an early bird deadline of February 10, 2026.

The takeaway

The OACD annual meeting serves as a critical gathering point for Oklahoma's agricultural stewards, providing an opportunity to align on priorities, share best practices, and ensure the state's conservation legacy continues to thrive in the face of modern challenges like drought and climate change.