Rally Reflections

Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF) works statewide, traveling to every corner of Iowa to protect cherished places, steward sensitive landscapes, advocate for nature and to connect with others who are passionate about conserving Iowa’s natural heritage. As an entirely donor-supported, nonprofit, accredited land trust, the organization’s structure and function differs from many other conservation organizations across the state. But not across the nation. 

INHF is a member of the Land Trust Alliance (LTA) — a nationwide network of nearly 950 land trusts — connecting us to peers far and wide. LTA holds an annual gathering, called Rally, for conservation practitioners to learn, connect and grow.

A handful of Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation staff recently traveled to Denver, Colorado for Rally 2026. Plenary sessions, a variety of concurrent workshops, networking lunches and field trips offered inspiration and premiere training across a wide array of conservation topics. Whether your job is to steward land, write grants, manage social media, lead donor relations or navigate complex protection projects, Rally offers best practices, strategies and lessons for everyone. Even time outside planned content — like picking a peer’s brain over dinner — holds value for new and seasoned staff alike.

“I really enjoyed my first Rally,” reflects Tanner Bouchard, INHF’s new land stewardship director based in northwest Iowa. “My favorite sessions reiterated that cultivating partnerships and connecting people with the land leads to more success in accomplishing stewardship goals.”

The conference sessions have through lines, often tying back to an overarching concept or timely topic.

“The one big takeaway I heard from multiple sessions was regarding habitat connectivity and corridors,” notes Patrick McNaughton, INHF’s Blufflands Land Stewardship Assistant. “Restoration and protection on any given site is great, but connection to the greater landscape drastically increases the ecological value.”

And, maybe most importantly, Rally builds connection across the conservation community.

“I was pleasantly surprised by how approachable everyone was,” says Morgan Georgeff, INHF’s Salesforce and Data Systems Manager. “Here I am just hitting my one-year mark with INHF and I easily connected with fellow conservationists across the country — from board presidents to stewards to GIS professionals and everyone in between. I think that's a testament to how incredible the community is and how our knowledge and practices at INHF keep us running right alongside these larger organizations. Was a 10/10 experience!”

As much as Rally is an opportunity for our staff to learn, it’s also an opportunity to share. INHF staff have routinely led sessions, relaying the expertise gained over the 43 years we’ve worked in Iowa. 

INHF is grateful for these opportunities to invest in our staff, and in turn, in Iowa. Feeling invigorated, connected and inspired after a few days immersed at Rally, INHF staff are back at home doing what they love — protecting and restoring Iowa’s land, water and wildlife.

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INHF’s leadership in this national stage extends to the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, the entity that awards accreditation to land trusts. Heather Jobst, INHF’s Senior Land Protection Facilitator, was elected as a commissioner in 2018.

“Commissioners use their experience and expertise to verify that a land trust is meeting the highest standards for excellence and conservation permanence,” Heather explains. “INHF has been a strong supporter of Accreditation since its formation in 2006. The process is rigorous but continues to make INHF a stronger organization and ensures our work is guided by strong ethical practices.”

INHF is currently preparing to renew accreditation as a land trust — which must be completed every five years — upholding national standards and committing to continued conservation excellence.