Events

The Wild Things conference is a celebration of nature, wildlife, ecosystem restoration, birding, botanizing, networking, and discovery – from the lowly mushroom to the high-flying falcon. The conservation community comes together to learn from each other and the best experts, and enjoys a day jam-packed with handpicked panels that run the spectrum in causes, complexity, and creativity. Spend a day with other people who care for the ecosystems of Illinois, and the planet, and find ways to help. We are stewards, advocates, and educators – volunteers and professionals – coming together with urgent hope to appreciate and protect prairies, woodlands, wetlands, wild yards, and wilder hearts.

This high-spirited biennial conference is one of the largest conservation gatherings in the Midwest, regularly drawing nearly 2,000 attendees for the single-day event. The 2025 Conference will take place on Saturday, March 1. Join us!

Wild Things is an educational program of Friends of Illinois Nature Preserves.

Get tickets here!

This gathering unites passionate individuals, communities, organizations, and leaders to explore innovative solutions, share insights, and collaborate on the future of urban forestry. Join leaders across the industry as we focus on strengthening the bonds between people and trees, fostering sustainable practices, and creating green, thriving urban landscapes.

Register here!