Activities

NACD's mission is to serve conservation districts by providing national leadership and a unified voice for natural resource conservation.

NACD 2009 Annual Meeting • February 1 - 4, 2009 • New Orleans, LA

New Orleans may be called the "Big Easy," but there is so much to do and see! From conference events and host-state and partner tours to volunteer and local events and activities, you are sure to get the true New Orleans experience at NACD's 2009 Annual Meeting.

Conference Events

2009 NACD Legislative Auction
It's time again for NACD's Legislative Auction! Get ready to bid on some great items on Tuesday, February 3, 2009.

Sunday Social
Join us for the “Big Game” on Sunday, February 1, 2009 for NACD’s Sunday Social. Kick off is at 5:30 p.m. so be ready to enjoy gridiron fun, stadium and light fare in the Grand Ballroom. Register for this event through the meeting registration form.

New Orleans Jazz Night
NCDEA invites you to experience an evening of jazz music and good company on Tuesday, February 3, 2009 from 9 to 11 p.m. at the Sheraton New Orleans. The event will feature two hours of music from local jazz artists and a cash bar. Tickets cost $25 per person and include one free drink.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009 • 9:00 to 11:00 p.m. • $25.00

Tours

Oak Alley Plantation Tour (Sold out)
Experience a guided tour the historical Oak Valley Plantation, sponsored by NCDEA. The deadline to register for this tour is December 15, 2008.
Sunday, February 1, 2009 • 1:00 to 5:45 p.m. • $49.00 • Tickets sold out

Swamp and Bayou Tour (Sold out)
Experience the timeless beauty of Louisiana’s swamps, bayous and wildlife on this narrated boat tour, sponsored by NCDEA. The deadline to register for this tour is December 15, 2008.
Sunday, February 1, 2009 • 1:00 to 5:45 p.m. • $49.00 • Tickets sold out

Natchez Steamboat River Cruise
Enjoy a two-hour cruise from the heart of the French Quarter, sponsored by the NACD Auxiliary. This tour will take you back when cotton was king and life was slow and graceful as the current on the Mississippi.
Monday, February 2, 2009 • 1:30to 4:30 p.m. • $23.00 • Pre-register for group rate

Hurricane Katrina Recovery Tour
This tour will provide a view of areas devastated by Hurricane Katrina in August 2005, including the Lower Ninth Ward of Orleans Parish, an area flooded by Gulf of Mexico storm surge as a result of levee failure along the adjacent Industrial Canal, the nearby City of Chalmette and other portions of St. Bernard Parish.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009 • Noon to 5 p.m. • $35.00 • Limited number of tickets available

Water Control Structures on the Mississippi Tour
View the major water control structures of the lower Mississippi River and learn how man controls the waters of the River to benefit and protect the area.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009 • Noon to 5 p.m. • $35.00 • Limited number of tickets available

Additional Activities

If you are interested in local New Orleans events, go to www.neworleanscvb.com/nacd, a website customized for NACD conference attendees by the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau. The site contains everything from an events calendar, list of dining options, maps of the city and more! Be sure to check it out and make the most of your time in New Orleans.

Pack-a-Book Community Outreach Project
NACD is coordinating our second “Pack-a-Book” community outreach project to leave a lasting impression on New Orleans, Louisiana following our 63rd Annual Meeting. We need your help to make the project a success! Click here to learn how you can participate.

With One Voice Book Launch and Signing
Reserve your discounted copy of Neil Sampson's latest book With One Voice: The National Assocation of Conservation Districts. The book will be offered to Annual Meeting attendees at temporarily discounted rate of $30 (suggested retail price is $44.95). Mr. Sampson will also be available to sign copies of his book. Be sure to reserve your copy today to ensure we have enough at the meeting!

Volunteer Opportunities

Since Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath, the metropolitan New Orleans community has been the beneficiary of an incredible outpouring of support from visitors to New Orleans. From convention visitors to leisure travelers, church groups to high school and college students, people have shown incredible generosity in giving of their time and talent, and a great deal of elbow grease, helping the city of New Orleans in its recovery and restoration. If you would like to volunteer your time, please check the links below to find a volunteer opportunity.

Volunteer Louisiana
The Governor of Louisiana, Kathleen Blanco, has established through her office a website matching those interested in volunteering with organizations seeking assistance in New Orleans and throughout South Louisiana.

List of Volunteer Opportunities and Organizations (PDF)
Download this eight-page list of volunteer opportunities and organizations through which you or your group can volunteer.