Join us for Powerful Weekends of Learning & Networking!
TU Regional Rendezvous are exciting weekends packed with conversations to build your chapter and council capacity, camaraderie and networking with volunteers like you and TU staff from across the country, and meaningful opportunities to learn, share and grow your impact as a TU volunteer.
Save the Dates!
While we’re still working on final details to make each weekend’s event as powerful as possible for you and your fellow grassroots volunteer leaders, please save the date in your calendar now and start planning as a chapter to send one or more volunteers to attend:
- Southeast Rendezvous – March 13-15, 2026
YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly, Black Mountain, NC
Support hurricane recovery and climate-resilient restoration. Build community, skills, and momentum for the work ahead, Gather with purpose at the beautiful YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly.
Western North Carolina’s rivers and headwater streams were deeply impacted by Hurricanes Florence and Helene — events that caused massive sedimentation and erosion in fragile brook trout streams, washed-out culverts, degraded fish passage, and isolated populations. This gathering provides a front-row seat to the recovery — and a chance to get involved in meaningful, long-term solutions.
Join us just outside Asheville, NC. March in the Southern Appalachians brings cold, headwaters full of wild trout, early stirrings of insect life and pre-spawn movement and a chance to reflect on what our rivers have weathered- and what they need from us now. The YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly, perched in the beautiful Black Mountains, offers a peaceful but purposeful space to connect with other TU Staff and TU chapters and leaders focused on climate resilience, participate in strategy workshops, storytelling sessions, and restoration planning and explore nearby recovery project sites and gain firsthand insight into TU’s post-hurricane work.
This isn’t just a meeting—it’s a working retreat for building the future. - Western Rendezvous – April 16-18, 2026
Holiday Inn Downtown, Missoula, MT
Conservation activities, fly fishing, strategy sessions and advocacy in action.
Spring is stirring in the rivers of western Montana — and so is the movement to protect them. Come be part of a powerful gathering of fly-fishing conservationists in Missoula this April. The skwala hatch is on, restoration projects are kicking off, and policy momentum is building. From on-the-water action to deep-dive workshops and fireside conversations, this is your chance to connect, collaborate, and lead the future of coldwater conservation with TU staff and other TU leaders. - Upper Midwest Rendezvous – May 1-3, 2026
Ralph A. MacMullan (RAM) Center, Roscommon, MI
Rustic lakeside lodging on Higgins Lake. Connect with TU leaders from across the Great Lakes, Driftless and beyond. Learn about restoration, angler science & advocacy.
We’re gathering at the historic RAM Center, along Higgins Lake, just minutes from the legendary Au Sable River, where Trout Unlimited was founded in 1959. This isn’t just a beautiful place to fish—it’s the cradle of fly-fishing conservation. When you’re here, you’re walking in the footsteps of the pioneers who sparked a national movement to protect wild trout and cold, clean water. Early May in Northern Michigan is prime time for the beginning of epic spring hatches. Brook trout and browns are active and Hendricksons, blue-winged olives, and early stones are on the menu.
This intimate powerful weekend will be full of conservation leaders from across the Great Lakes, guest speakers and anglers alike. You’ll leave feeling energized, connected, and ready to lead. - Northeast Rendezvous – Stay Tuned!
NY Catskills Region – Dates and details coming soon
Why Attend A Regional Rendezvous?
This is your chance to connect with fellow TU volunteer leaders, staff and conservationists while enjoying dynamic sessions, inspiring discussions, and hands-on activities – all designed to help you strengthen and grow your local chapter community. At each Rendezvous, you’ll find:
- Inspiration & Learning: Gain valuable insights from experts and peers while advancing TU’s mission.
- Networking & Relationships: Meet fellow TU leaders and conservationists from across the region.
- Real Skills & Tools: Take home tactical and practical resources to grow and strengthen your impact locally.
Whether you’re a longtime volunteer or new to TU, this is an incredible opportunity to engage with our community and contribute to TU’s vital mission.
Start Planning & Spread the Word
Now is the time to start planning (and budgeting) to send your volunteer team to the Rendezvous near you.
Share this event with your current volunteers and up-and-coming leaders and encourage everyone to consider attending. Consider sending a full team this year to maximize the benefit, and invest in the future of your chapter and local conservation impact.
Registration & Event Programs Coming Soon!
Reach out to Lilly (lilly.knight@tu.org) or Maggie (maggie.heumann@tu.org) with any questions or suggestions in the meantime.
Presentations from our 2025 Regional Rendezvous
Evolving Trout Unlimited Chapter Engagement Model– Beverly Smith, TU VP of Engagement
Entomology for Educators – Maggie Heumann, TU Director of Engagement Partnerships
Brook Trout Conservation in the Potomac Headwaters Ryan Cooper, TU Potomac Home Waters Inititative
Advocating for Conservation in 2025: From your Local Stream to Washington, DC – Lindsay Slater, TU VP Government Affairs
State of Eastern TU Keith Curley, TU VP Eastern Conservation
6PPD & Trout: What Is Going on and What Are We Doing About It? – Jeff Yates, TU Senior Director of Engagement
Leadership & Succession Planning Strategies for Your TU Chapter – Beverly Smith, TU VP of Engagement
How to Run a TU Youth Program (STREAM Keepers & Girls) – Cecily Nordstrom, TU STREAM Education Manager
Conservation Volunteers Engagement & Programming – Jeff Kresch/Jeff Yates, TU Conservation & Engagement Staff
Citizen Science: Lingering Hemlock ID for Stream Habitat Health – Olivia Hall, Hemlock Restoration Initiative
Climate Change Threats to Eastern Cold Water Fisheries – Jim Irons & Jim Wilson, TU NLC
Unseen Threats: Understanding & Tracking Microplastic Pollution – Caroline Johnson, Environment America