Illinois Forestry Association upcoming events

Dixon Springs Ag Center Field Day 2026 (07/14/2026)

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Join Illinois Extension for a special Field Day at the Dixon Springs Agricultural Center in Southern Illinois on July 14, 2026 from 5-8 p.m. where community and agriculture come together for an evening of learning and connection. For admission of just $5, your experience will include a farm-to-table meal featuring food grown and produced at the Ag Center. Other topics below.

Forest Management – Extension Forestry Specialist Kevin Rohling will lead a tour of our demonstration forest and discuss different management approaches and practices, and how they influence the forest. He will also discuss recent research on the impacts of forest management on forest moths and other wildlife.

Invasive Species Identification and Management – Extension Forestry Specialist Chris Evans will show different invasive plant species of concern to landowners in the region, discuss management practices and recommendations, and talk about recent research underway at Dixon Springs on invasive species.

Pollinator Prairie Establishment – Extension Educator Erin Garrett will lead a tour of the Dixon Springs Pollinator Prairie and the native plants growing there. Erin also will discuss the process of establishing a prairie, the benefits of increasing native plants on your landscape, and practices needed to maintain a prairie.

Ongoing Animal Science Research Projects – Animal Science summer I-BELIEF interns and graduate students from the University of Illinois will showcase current research projects taking place within the department, discuss research methods and share information about ongoing studies related to livestock production, animal health, nutrition, genetics, and agricultural sustainability.

Ticks of Illinois - Bite Prevention and Identification - Ticks and tick-borne diseases are an increasing concern in Illinois. Dr. Teresa Steckler, Extension Specialist, will discuss Illinois tick species and their associated diseases, where ticks are found, how to protect yourself from tick bites and see real ticks under the microscope to learn how small they actually are!

High Tunnel Vegetable Production - Extension Educator Bronwyn Aly will lead a tour of the research and demonstration high tunnels and discuss vegetable management strategies within the protected cover environment of the tunnels. She will also discuss ongoing tomato and pepper variety trials.

Biological Insect Control - Extension specialist Dr. Kacie Athey will share information on how to use natural predator insects to control insect pests in specialty crops. Research conducted in the high tunnels at DSAC over the past 5 years will be highlighted.

Managing Heat Stress in Tomatoes - Extension Specialist Dr. James Santiago will discuss the effects of heat stress on tomatoes and other specialty crops, current research projects related to heat stress, and strategies to reduce heat stress in vegetables.

IFA 21st Annual Conference (09/17/2026)

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Overview

Join forest landowners, conservation professionals, and nature enthusiasts for three days dedicated to Illinois wildlife and habitat management. This year’s program features exclusive field tours at the renowned Nachusa Grasslands, expert-led educational sessions, and valuable networking opportunities.

Conference Schedule

Thursday, Sept 17: Kickoff with a pre-conference site visit to Nachusa Grasslands in the afternoon, and a fireside cocktail evening at the Jarrett Prairie Center.
Friday, Sept 18: Full day of concurrent indoor/outdoor sessions (choose your track!), member meeting, and silent auction.
Saturday, Sept 19 : A special IFA members-only tour at the "Autumn on the Prairie" festival.

Why Attend?

Exclusive Access: Explore Nachusa Grasslands, a premier site for bison reintroduction, prairie restoration, and conservation research.
Expert Insights: Participate in hands-on demonstrations and talks focused on forest health and wildlife habitat.
Community: Connect with fellow conservationists during our networking sessions and support IFA programs through our silent auction.

Event program available soon!

IFA 21st Annual Conference (09/18/2026)

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Overview

Conference Schedule

Thursday, Sept 17: Kickoff with a pre-conference site visit to Nachusa Grasslands in the afternoon, and a fireside cocktail evening at the Jarrett Prairie Center.
Friday, Sept 18: Full day of concurrent indoor/outdoor sessions (choose your track!), member meeting, and silent auction.
Saturday, Sept 19 : A special IFA members-only tour at the "Autumn on the Prairie" festival.

Why Attend?

Exclusive Access: Explore Nachusa Grasslands, a premier site for bison reintroduction, prairie restoration, and conservation research.
Expert Insights: Participate in hands-on demonstrations and talks focused on forest health and wildlife habitat.
Community: Connect with fellow conservationists during our networking sessions and support IFA programs through our silent auction.

Event program available soon!

IFA 21st Annual Conference (09/19/2026)

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Overview

Conference Schedule

Thursday, Sept 17: Kickoff with a pre-conference site visit to Nachusa Grasslands in the afternoon, and a fireside cocktail evening at the Jarrett Prairie Center.
Friday, Sept 18: Full day of concurrent indoor/outdoor sessions (choose your track!), member meeting, and silent auction.
Saturday, Sept 19 : A special IFA members-only tour at the "Autumn on the Prairie" festival.

Why Attend?

Exclusive Access: Explore Nachusa Grasslands, a premier site for bison reintroduction, prairie restoration, and conservation research.
Expert Insights: Participate in hands-on demonstrations and talks focused on forest health and wildlife habitat.
Community: Connect with fellow conservationists during our networking sessions and support IFA programs through our silent auction.

Event program available soon!