Explore Illinois’ Wild Side at the Wild Things 2025 Conference

Nature lovers, conservationists and science educators are invited to attend the Wild Things 2025 Conference from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 1 at the Donald E. Stevens Convention Center, in Rosemont. As one of the Midwest’s largest conservation gatherings, this biennial event features an extensive lineup of presentations on ecology, biodiversity conservation, nature-based education, environmental justice and advocacy, climate change, volunteer-led stewardship of natural lands, arts and culture, and wildlife.

“The health of our natural areas is linked to the communities that care for them, whether it’s through conservation, education or stewardship,” says Eriko Kojima, local volunteer stewardship leader and Board Member of Friends of Illinois Nature Preserves. “The Wild Things conference is an opportunity to learn from the people who do this work; a place to share the ideas, insights and inspiration that energize this movement; and a call to action for each of us to join in.”

This year’s keynote speaker is Marla Garrison, an author, biologist and researcher with expertise in dragonflies and damselflies. Botanist and science communicator Joey Santore, host of the YouTube channel Crime Pays But Botany Doesn’t, will deliver the closing plenary presentation.

With 140 presentations and panels, attendees can explore topics such as engaging preschoolers in environmental stewardship, the role of native pollinators and strategies for using social media in conservation. The event also includes exhibitors, book signings with ecology writers and networking opportunities.

“This year is shaping up to be the largest Wild Things Conference ever,” says Robb Telfer, program director for Friends of Illinois Nature Preserves. “Wild Things is the open house for the conservation movement in Illinois—everyone who attends can find new ways to lend their talents and passions to the causes they believe in.”

Cost: General admission is $60, with student tickets priced at $40. Scholarship assistance is available to help cover registration, lunch and travel. Location: 5555 N. River Rd., Rosemont. For tickets and program details, visit WildThingsCommunity.org.