Nachusa Grasslands Science Symposium 2026
Saturday, April 25; 8:45 am – 2:30 pm
The 12th annual Nachusa Science Symposium hosted by The Nature Conservancy and Friends of Nachusa Grasslands and will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the Nachusa Grasslands Headquarters.
|
We are excited to bring Nachusa scientists, volunteers, staff, and supporters together once again to learn and discuss emerging science at the preserve.
The day includes breaks and a lunch during which researchers, volunteers, donors, and TNC staff can mingle and discuss. The doors will open at 8:45 am for check-in and a few morning refreshments. At 9:10 am, Dr. Elizabeth Bach, Nachusa Grasslands Ecosystem Restoration Scientist, will welcome the audience. Presentations will begin at 9:20 am. A casual lunch will be provided after the morning presentations. The afternoon presentations should be completed by 2:30 pm. |
The symposium is generously supported by donors to the Friends of Nachusa Grasslands.
Everyone is welcome to attend this free event, but the RSVP below is required to make sure that food and seating needs can be adequately arranged. As our meeting space is limited, if we reach the attendance limit before we receive your reservation, you will be notified. Please bring a water bottle or cup for your drink. |
12th Annual Nachusa Grasslands Science Symposium Schedule
A Community for Conservation
8:45 – 9:10 am: Registration and welcome
9:10 – 9:20 am: Nachusa Grasslands: A community for conservation Dr. Elizabeth Bach
Understanding relationships above- and belowground
9:20-9:40 — Dr. Meghan Midgley, Director of Science, Morton Arboretum, and Dr. Nick Barber, San Diego State University
9:40-10:00 — Michael Yonker, University of Illinois-Chicago
10:00-10:20 — Dr. Tyler Karp, University of Chicago
10:20-10:50 — Break
Stewarding species and communities
10:50-11:10 — Dr. Rich King, Northern Illinois University
11:10-11:30 — K C Carter, University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign
11:30-11:50 — Ethan Rose, Michigan State University
11:50-12:10 — Rapid talks for posters
12:15-12:45 — Lunch
12:45-1:15 — Posters
Illuminating prairie through science and community
1:20-1:40 — Nachusa community science rapid talks
2:10-2:30 — Question and Answers with filmmaker Ariel Waldman and Dr. Wes Swingley
8:45 – 9:10 am: Registration and welcome
9:10 – 9:20 am: Nachusa Grasslands: A community for conservation Dr. Elizabeth Bach
Understanding relationships above- and belowground
9:20-9:40 — Dr. Meghan Midgley, Director of Science, Morton Arboretum, and Dr. Nick Barber, San Diego State University
9:40-10:00 — Michael Yonker, University of Illinois-Chicago
10:00-10:20 — Dr. Tyler Karp, University of Chicago
10:20-10:50 — Break
Stewarding species and communities
10:50-11:10 — Dr. Rich King, Northern Illinois University
11:10-11:30 — K C Carter, University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign
11:30-11:50 — Ethan Rose, Michigan State University
11:50-12:10 — Rapid talks for posters
- Kamal Ehrlich, Northern Illinois University
- Ryan Klopf, Virginia Dept. Natural History and Virginia Tech University
- Jason Robinson, Illinois Natural History Survey
- Max Scheel, Notre Dame University
12:15-12:45 — Lunch
12:45-1:15 — Posters
Illuminating prairie through science and community
1:20-1:40 — Nachusa community science rapid talks
- Mary Vieregg — RiverWatch
- Cindy Crosby — Odonate monitoring
- ?Jaron Cook — Bird monitoring
2:10-2:30 — Question and Answers with filmmaker Ariel Waldman and Dr. Wes Swingley
Thanks to a 1:1 challenge grant and the generous support of individual donors, organizations, and foundations, Friends has awarded $85,000 for 2026-2027.
To support the Friends of Nachusa Grasslands science awards, please consider making a designated donation.
You can also mail a check with “Friends Fund for Science” or "Friends Endowment for Nachusa Science" written on the memo line to: Friends of Nachusa Grasslands, 8772 S. Lowden Road, Franklin Grove, IL 61031.
To support the Friends of Nachusa Grasslands science awards, please consider making a designated donation.
You can also mail a check with “Friends Fund for Science” or "Friends Endowment for Nachusa Science" written on the memo line to: Friends of Nachusa Grasslands, 8772 S. Lowden Road, Franklin Grove, IL 61031.