US Ecosystem Markets Conference

Becca Madsen on June 11, 2010 Comment

Our good friend and partner Todd Gartner of the American Forest Foundation writes...

"With only a little over a week to go before *the* ecosystem markets event of the year hits North Carolina, our excitement barometer has just hit 100%. We hope yours has too. To drive it up even further, we have just released the Official Conference Program (found here), where you will find all the details for the conference, which will be held in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, June 23rd - June 24th. As well, we are delighted to announce we have well exceeded our registration target, with more than 230 distinguished guests registered and armed to help drive ecosystem markets forward. Hailing from conservation non-profits, federal & state natural resources agencies, academia, the private investment sector, forestry, and private tree farms, the participant list (found here) is comprised of some of the world's top thought leaders. *** Official 2010 Ecosystem Markets Conference Program Released Today (PDF) *** For those who haven't yet registered, it's not too late! We urge you to do so today before the event sells out. Please note that overnight accommodations are also limited and the special conference rate of $109 will expire in 1 week. You may click here to both register and book your hotel room. Through a partnership with the Triangle Land Conservancy (TLC), we are now offering participants the opportunity to compensate Raleigh-Durham for their ecological footprint in attending the conference. Please consider contributing to the enhancement of the local stewardship project, Horton Grove Preserve. Actively managed by TLC for habitat protection, climate change mitigation, and watershed enhancement, this site is an excellent ecological investment. It is considered a very high local priority because it serves as the terrestrial corridor between two river systems; its remoteness provides vital habitat for the region's forest interior wildlife; and it boasts some of the few remaining large blocks of undisturbed mature woodlands in the area. By contributing to the enhancement of this local reserve, you will be playing a significant role in protecting habitat, mitigating climate change, and enhancing watersheds in North Carolina's rapidly urbanizing Durham County. To do so, click here. For existing registrants, log-in to your registration profile and click the agenda option. For those who haven't yet registered, you will be given the option upon doing so. For more information on the Horton Grove Preserve, you may visit the Conservation Registry entry here."