Support a thriving, sustainable environment. 

Natural resource industry professionals face the vital task of responsibly caring for our communities' valuable environmental resources. Evolving research and environmental changes make it more important than ever to explore responsible stewardship practices, understand how to successfully manage emerging diseases and pests, and apply sustainable landscape practices to support our future. 

The conference provides a platform for sharing new ideas and research-based information as experts delve into three vital tracks: building sustainable landscapes, conservation stewardship, and tree care.

Registration Details 

• $80 per person for advanced registration by February 28, 2025. 
• $85 per person for late and at-door registration after March 1, 2025. 
• $50 per person discounted registration for Certified Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists; to receive the discount, include a copy of your current I.D. card or letter of active status from your Extension County Director. 

Lunch is NOT included as part of the conference registration; participants will have a break from 11:20 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and will be responsible for providing their own lunch.

Continuing Education Credits 

Continuing education units are approved and available for professional association members maintaining certification through the following organizations: 

• International Society of Arboriculture: 6 hours credit for entire day. ALL sessions are approved EXCEPT Session J. 
• Illinois Park & Recreation Association - 0.10 per session (Total of 0.60 for entire day). 
• Certified Golf Course Superintendent - 0.60 for the entire day. 

Conference Schedule 

Session 1 

• A) 8 to 9 AM: Urban Forestry and Climate Change – Justin Vozzo 
• B) 8 to 9 AM: Healthy Soils in the Home Landscape – Karla Griesbaum 

Session 2 

• C) 9:10 AM to 10:10 AM: New and Upcoming Tree Pests: Spotted Lanternfly, Elm Zigzag Sawfly, and Other Exotic Critters – Fredric Miller 
• D) 9:10 AM to 10:10 AM: Engaging and Empowering Volunteers for Ecological Stewardship: Heartlands Conservancy Volunteer Programs – Anna McAtee 
• E) 9:10 AM to 10:10 AM: Creating Native Plant Buffers to Control Geese – Susan Helm 

Session 3 

• F) 10:20 AM to 11:20 AM: Getting to the Root of Tree Problems – Sarah Vogel 
• G) 10:20 AM to 11:20 AM: Managing the Pesky Critters In and Around Your Home and Gardens – Matthew Springer 
• H) 10:20 AM to 11:20 AM: Choosing Edible Species for Planting in Public Spaces – Nick Frillman and Elizabeth Wahle  

11:20 AM - 12:30 PM: Lunch on Your Own 

Session 4 

• I) 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM: Chainsaw Safety and Maintenance Demonstration – Kevin Rohling 
• J) 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM: Native Grasses in Landscaping – Erin Garrett 
• K) 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM: Beyond the Faucet – Darci Webber 

Session 5

• L) 1:40 PM to 2:40 PM: Post Cicada Invasion: Are My Trees in Trouble? – Tricia Bethke 
• M) 1:40 PM to 2:40 PM: Staying Inside the Lines: Best Practices for Firebreak Design – Chris Evans 
• N) 1:40 PM to 2:40 PM: What’s the Buzz with Bee Hotels? Common Misconceptions About Pollinator Conservation – Eliza Pessereau 

Session 6

• O) 2:50 PM to 3:50 PM: A Day in the Life of an Arborist: Identifying Preventable Tree Issues – Aaron Schulz 
• P) 2:50 PM to 3:50 PM: Keeping an Eye on Invasive Species as Climate Shifts – Amy Lefringhouse

Class descriptions can be found here. 
Registration forms can be found here.