In my latest work travels, I had the opportunity to visit Dubuque, Iowa, and Salt Lake City, Utah—two places that offered not only valuable professional experiences but also meaningful personal connections and memorable moments along the way. While these trips were taken without Daniel, I was able to keep him up to date on my travels with daily calls and loved having his support from afar!
Dubuque, Iowa: A Deep Dive into Regenerative Agriculture
My journey to Dubuque was centered around attending a farmer conference and engaging with key partners like the Sand County Foundation and the Dubuque Soil and Water Conservation District (DSWCD). During my visit, I had the privilege of meeting with district staff members and local farmers to gain insights into their regenerative agriculture projects. Touring three farms, I witnessed firsthand the innovative conservation practices being implemented to enhance soil health and sustainability in America’s heartland. I had the opportunity to reflect on these experiences in a blog for Field to Market, highlighting the leadership of farmers in regenerative agriculture. You can read more about it here: Farmers Leading the Way in Regenerative Agriculture.
Beyond the professional aspects, this trip was also an opportunity to build stronger personal connections. I spent quality time with the DSWCD staff and Haleigh from SCF not just discussing conservation but also enjoying some of Dubuque’s charming spots. We started our mornings with coffee and tea at Roses and Berries Cafe, an immigrant-run cafe decorated to make you feel like a Disney princess with flowers and tea sets along with amazing pastries or Monks, a coffee shop by day and a pub by night with to die for chai lattes. Each spot welcomed us like we were one of their own and were not shy on saying that they were the best city in Iowa. While this was my first time visiting the state, it would be hard to argue with the locals that had a sense of pride in their city and embodied the “Midwest Nice” mentality. Apart from coffee, the city offered great street art and restaurants in their downtown area. We capped off one evening with dinner at the Vault Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge where craft cocktails have a portion of the proceeds donated to a local charity. As for accommodations, my contacts recommended staying at the historic Hotel Julien. This added an extra layer of appreciation for Dubuque’s character and history and definitely is worth the stay if you are in the area checking out the Field of Dreams, which we unfortunately didn’t get to see on this visit.
Salt Lake City, Utah: Bridging Old and New Connections
A week later, I headed to Salt Lake City for the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) conference. This trip was a special blend of professional networking and personal reunions. I had the chance to catch up with former colleagues from North Carolina’s Department of Soil and Water Conservation, reconnecting over shared experiences while also introducing them to one of my current coworker and the team from Iowa who joined me on this trip.
The NACD conference provided a platform to engage in discussions on conservation policy and innovation while also strengthening bonds within the industry. Outside of the conference, we took time to explore Salt Lake City’s local eats and attractions. We particularly enjoyed sushi at HandoSake Sushi, Salt Lake City’s first handroll bar, and Monarca, an upscale Mexican restaurant with delicious cocktails. My coworker and I also became big fans of Cupla Coffee and Rose Establishment, both known for their strong community focus and commitment to providing living wages to their staff. For some extra fun, we also took the chance to go ice skating with Allie, my friend from North Carolina, and visited a few historic Mormon sites in and around Temple Square. These experiences not only enriched our understanding of the city but also offered moments of fun and camaraderie amid the work schedule.
Reflecting on the Journey
Traveling for work often means balancing packed schedules with moments of spontaneity, and these trips were no exception. From exploring regenerative agriculture in Iowa to reconnecting with past colleagues in Utah, I was reminded of the importance of both professional growth and personal connections. Whether it was sharing meals, discovering new places, or simply catching up with old friends, these experiences underscored the value of relationships in the world of conservation and beyond.