One of the most far-reaching development initiatives ever undertaken within the natural resource conservation community, the Institute is an intensive, world-class leadership development experience. Offered each year to a select group of individuals identified by their nominating organizations as “high potentials”, the Institute is referred to by many as natural resource conservation’s “war college”, filling the empty seats left by retiring baby boomers. The Institute is by no measure only a training program; it is a unique comprehensive learning experience designed to challenge assumptions, teach skills, facilitate networking, and strengthen confidence, preparing extraordinary leadership for the future.