The IACD Conference will return February 19th & 20th, 2026. Our conferences are an intimate gathering of friends and professionals dedicated to conservation management and education. You are invited to join us at the 2026 IACD Conference for presentations that matter, to network with other professionals, and have fun with like minded friends.
Call For Presentations
2026 Annual ICAD Conference
Starved Rock State Park Utica, IL
February 19th & 20th, 2026
The Illinois Association of Conservation Districts is looking for session speakers for the 2026 IACD Conference February 19 and 20. There are twelve (12) Breakout Sessions, and we would love to hear from more of our member agencies as speakers.
The Illinois Association of Conservation Districts is comprised mostly of conservation districts, forest preserves, and park districts, and we hold an annual conference to help provide education and networking for our members and supporters. Past presentation topics for breakout sessions include prescribed fire, chainsaw use, wildlife management, plant and insect conservation, environmental education, geology, different technologies used in conservation (data management, citizen science, photography, drones), and public engagement. Among many other topics!
Do you or a colleague have a project, research focus, or innovative approach that could benefit others in the conservation field?
Have you developed new strategies, tools, or insights that other agencies could put into action?
Do you have lessons your agency has learned from “fails” that could help others avoid the same outcome—or even turn setbacks into successes?
If so, we’d love to hear from you!
We also have a list of suggested presentation topics from our 2025 attendees, which we’d be happy to share if you’d like some inspiration to pass along at your agency.
How to Apply:
Reach out to ADukeman@MaconCCD.org, DGrelecki@BCCDIl.org, PJulius@MaconCCD.org, or AMinson@BCCDIl.org to express interest, ask questions, or request the suggested topic list. You can find the speaker form here. Your knowledge and experiences could help shape the future of conservation in Illinois—join us in making the 2026 IACD Conference our best yet!
2026 IACD Conference
Save the Date!
February 19th & 20th 2026
Starved Rock State Park
Working to Preserve and Protect Illinois' Flora and Fauna
The past conferences have been incredibly popular, so be sure to register early to ensure your spot. When you attend IACD conferences, remember, overnight accommodations are separate from conference fees and are the responsibility of the attendee.
Rates and deadlines will be as follows:
$150 full conference registration
Registration is non-refundable. If you find you cannot attend, you may request to transfer your registration to someone else.
Registration Issues or Questions contact Ashton Dukeman: ADukeman@MaconCCD.org
Lodging
Conference host lodging will once again be at the Starved Rock Conference Center and Lodge. Lodging reservations are separate from your conference registration. Visit Starvedrocklodge.com or call 815-667-4211. Room block is under IACD.