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ANREP 2026

Welcome and Opening Session

"Confluence of Knowledge: Charting the Future of Natural Resource Extension"

Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.
Location: Cape Fear Community College, RM U170, 411 N Front St, Wilmington, NC 28401

Session Description

Kick off the ANREP 2026 Biennial Conference in Wilmington, North Carolina, with an inspiring welcome session that will set the stage for our theme: “Confluence of Knowledge: Charting the Future of Natural Resource Extension.”

Following introductory remarks from David Monks, Vice Provost for Outreach and Engagement and Director, NC State Extension and Dr. M. Ray McKinnie, Associate Dean & Cooperative Extension Administrator for NC A&T, we will embark on a two-part exploration of our coastal host location, focusing on the critical, intertwined relationship between people and natural resources.

Join us as we chart the future of Natural Resource Extension by understanding the vital intersection of landscape and community knowledge.

A Sense of Place: The Landscape Perspective
Dr. Marcelo Ardón will provide a landscape-level view of the challenges and innovative approaches facing this dynamic environment. This presentation will ground us in the unique natural resource issues of the coastal North Carolina setting, providing a real-world context for the innovative programming and exchange of ideas that will follow throughout the conference.

Dr. Marcelo Ardón is a Professor in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources at North Carolina State University specializing in aquatic ecosystem ecology and biogeochemistry of wetlands and streams. His research focuses on elucidating the mechanisms by which these ecosystems respond to human-accelerated environmental change. He seeks to understand how their structure and function are affected by land-use and climate change, and if management tools can restore them.

A Sense of Community: The People Perspective
Dr. Whitney Knollenberg will shift the focus to the human element, providing local examples of where people and natural resources are inextricably linked. This segment will highlight the community, social, and economic dynamics interwoven with the region’s natural resources.

Headshot of Dr. Whitney Knollenberg, Plenary speaker. They are smiling and looking directly at the camera.
Dr. Whitney Knollenberg is an Associate Professor and Department Extension Leader in North Carolina State University’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management. Specializing in tourism leadership, her work explores its vital role in achieving sustainable tourism development through effective policy, planning, and strategic partnerships. She frequently collaborates with coastal North Carolina communities—where tourism is a key economic driver—to advance their climate resiliency initiatives.