Participants will be introduced to the concept of using geodiversity (diversity of soils, topography, and other abiotic factors) as indicators of biodiversity and potential applications of geodiversity to conservation planning.

Geodiversity refers to the diversity of conditions defined by geological, geomorphological, and soil features. A recent series of articles featured in the journal Conservation Biology addressed the use of geodiversity as a coarse filter for conserving biodiversity. The authors described a planning process focused on maintaining a range of abiotic conditions for “conserving nature’s stage.” Because assessing soil conditions, promoting soil health, and conservation planning are central to the NRCS’ mission, NRCS will play an important role in conserving nature’s stage on private agricultural lands. This webinar will introduce participants to the concept of geodiversity, emphasizing the importance of soils as indicators of biodiversity and potential applications of geodiversity to conservation planning.