The conference will be designed around the general theme: The Power of Nature and the Empowerment of Natural Areas. We hope to challenge all who attend with new information and new ways to think about natural areas conservation and management. We also hope to raise awareness and optimism about our potential for making a difference in natural lands conservation and encourage everyone about the future of natural areas and the conservation of biological diversity. Adaptive ecosystem management - and what it means to adapt conservation programs within the context of changing natural, political, economic and cultural dynamics - will receive special attention. Sessions will be held Wednesday through Friday, followed by a full range of field trips to exciting natural areas and conservation projects in the Southern Appalachians. Oral presentations and posters are being solicited.