Wednesday, October 22nd | 2:10 - 3:25 MT

The Broadmoor Hotel | 1 Lake Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80906

Speakers: Lannie McClelen, PLA, ASLA, SWMD Project Director, Heather Stevens, SWMD Capital Campaign Advisor

Description: Across the country, bold environmental visions are being realized through the strength of philanthropic leadership, public-private partnerships, and strategic investment models that align community priorities with lasting impact. This panel convenes three transformative conservation efforts—each advancing equity, resilience, and landscape-scale ambition—to share how they are forging durable pathways for change.

From Tribal-led conservation in New Mexico, to military-buffered ecological corridors in Colorado, to urban heat island solutions in Dallas, panelists will explore:

1. How trust-based philanthropy fosters innovation and accelerates long-term impact.
2. The catalytic role of private donors in unlocking significant federal and state funding.
3. Proven strategies for leveraging philanthropic gifts to multiply agency and community investment.
4. What it takes to sustain multi-sector partnerships that deliver measurable outcomes.

With perspectives from leaders—and the potential for a funder-moderated dialogue—this conversation offers donors and partners real-world insights, replicable models, and inspiration for how strategic philanthropy-public partnerships can advance inclusive, large-scale environmental solutions.