Forest Preserve & Conservation Symposium 2026

Hosted by IPRA's Forest Preserve & Conservation (FPC) Section, this full-day SIGnature education event is designed to offer enriching professional development and meaningful networking opportunities for those working in conservation, education, and recreation. This year's FPC Symposium explores innovative approaches to conservation, community engagement, accessibility, urban forestry, and environmental education. Participants will gain practical insights from real-world case studies, including collaborative conservation initiatives, regional tree planting and stewardship efforts, accessible program and website design, and nature-based learning strategies that inspire environmental stewardship in future generations. Through engaging presentations, facilitated discussions, and peer networking opportunities, attendees will leave with new ideas, resources, and connections to strengthen programs and services within their own organizations. Whether you are focused on education, interpretation, stewardship, recreation, communications, volunteer engagement, or conservation management, this symposium offers valuable perspectives and actionable takeaways to help advance your work and better serve your communities. Includes a tour of the unique Hoover Forest Preserve that includes a team-building outdoor education course, variety of camping options, nature play space, baseball field, sledding hill, trails, prairie, woodlands and the Subat Nature Center.