Confluence | Center for Collaborative Conservation

The Future of Collaboration: The Power of Working Across Divides

Confluence 2026 brought together collaborative conservation practitioners, researchers, students, and emerging leaders at Colorado State University in Fort Collins from May 19–21. Over three days, participants engaged in small-group discussions, skill-building sessions, and place-based experiences focused on what it takes to work across differences and build durable solutions together.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, contributed, presented, and helped shape the gathering.

Revisit Confluence 2026

Confluence by the Numbers

125 attendees
18 sessions and 3 field trips
More than 50% of attendees were first-timers
$27,000 raised in travel support
90% said they would return

Confluence Testimonies

94% of Confluence 2026 attendees rated their overall conference experience as "good" or "excellent."

The connections and insights gained through this conference will support future partnerships and contribute to more inclusive and effective conservation efforts.

My job is unique and can sometimes feel lonesome despite its collaborative nature, but Confluence left me feeling like I had found my people. I’ve never been to a conference like this one, which gave me not only hope and inspiration, but also practical skills and ideas.

The community collaboration network is large. We can continue to learn from each other. Many groups have the same challenges.

96% of Confluence 2020 attendees said WCCN’s role as a connector, convener, and catalyst is “essential” or “very important.”

Stay Connected

Confluence happens every two years, and the work continues between gatherings. To stay in the loop on Confluence 2028 and other Western Collaborative Conservation Network programming, join the WCCN community or explore past Confluences.