FREEPORT, Ill. – More than 300 students gathered at Oakdale Nature Preserve on September 29, 2026, for the annual Keepers of the Land Conservation Day, an interactive outdoor education event designed to help young people explore the natural world and develop a deeper understanding of conservation.
Students participated in five educational presentations throughout the day, engaging in hands-on learning experiences led by conservation professionals, educators, and volunteers. Topics included tree identification, nature hikes, watersheds and the water cycle, prairie and soil ecology, Illinois raptors, aquatic animals, seed science, and vermicomposting.
A highlight of the event was the participation of three Native American speakers who shared their knowledge, traditions, and cultural perspectives through presentations on a Native American lodge, storytelling, and music. Their contributions helped students better understand the important relationship between people, culture, and the natural environment.
Additional educational opportunities were provided by the Illinois Conservation Police and the University of Illinois Traveling Science Center, allowing students to experience conservation and environmental science through engaging demonstrations and activities.
Keepers of the Land Conservation Day is made possible through a partnership between University of Illinois Extension, Stephenson County Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom, and the Stephenson County Soil and Water Conservation District. The event also relied on the dedication of numerous volunteers, including University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners, who assisted with logistics, group coordination, and time management throughout the day.
"The goal of Keepers of the Land is to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards by providing meaningful, hands-on experiences in nature," said organizers. "When students can see, touch, and explore the concepts they are learning, those lessons become lasting memories."
Blessed with beautiful fall weather, students, teachers, chaperones, volunteers, presenters, and University of Illinois staff spent the day exploring Oakdale Nature Preserve while gaining valuable knowledge about conservation, environmental stewardship, and the natural resources that support their communities.
The success of the event reflects the commitment of local organizations, educators, and volunteers to providing youth with opportunities to connect with nature and learn how they can help care for the land, water, and wildlife around them.
About Keepers of the Land
Keepers of the Land Conservation Day is an annual outdoor education program that brings students together with conservation professionals, educators, and community partners for a day of hands-on environmental learning. Through interactive activities and presentations, participants gain knowledge about natural resources, conservation practices, wildlife, ecosystems, and environmental stewardship.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 500 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.