Illinois Forestry Association upcoming events

Field Day at the Tobias Property (04/25/2026)

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Join the Illinois Forestry Association for a morning of exploration and learning at the beautiful Tobias property in Adams County. Located just north of Siloam Springs State Park, this 81-acre site offers a diverse look at managed Illinois landscapes, featuring a mix of grassland, woodland, and the scenic Walnut Fork Creek.

What to Expect: We will take a guided hike through the property to discuss forest management and wildlife habitat. The hike is no more than 2 miles long and is classified as easy-to-moderate; while much of the terrain is manageable, please be prepared for a few steep sections along the "rivens" (hills) that characterize this rugged landscape. Follow the IFA event signs to the property and parking area.

Highlights include:

Timber Management: View 56 acres of timber dominated by White and Black Oak, Hickory, and Walnut.
Conservation in Action: See the Riparian Forest Buffer Plan and learn about the property's history with the CRP program.
Diverse Habitats: Explore the transition between upland hardwood forests and the Riparian zones along the creek.
Refreshments: Water bottles provided.
Facilities: A bathroom is available on-site for guest use.

What to Bring: Please wear sturdy hiking boots and dress for the weather. We look forward to seeing you in the woods!

Field Day at Antler Ridge (05/02/2026)

Sat, 02 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Join the Illinois Forestry Association for a morning of exploration at Antler Ridge, a 245-acre privately owned property in east-central Illinois. Owned by Alva and Elsie Miller since 2001, this site is a premier example of how active forest management, prairie restoration, and wildlife habitat enhancement work in harmony.

What to Expect: We will take a guided walking tour through the property to discuss diverse management strategies. The hike is approximately 2 miles long and is classified as easy-to-moderate; the trails are well-groomed and relatively flat, though there are a few short, steeper sections to navigate.

Morning Refreshments & Facilities: Start your morning right! We will have water, coffee, and donuts available for all attendees during check-in. For your convenience, there is also a bathroom available on-site.

Highlights include:

Diverse Habitats: Explore 70 acres of tillable ground—much of which is now managed as Native Warm Season Grass (NWSG) prairie—alongside bottomlands and a stocked pond.
Active Management: Learn about the reforestation of 14 acres of bottomland and the use of prescribed fire to control invasive species.
Wildlife Sightings: View a property designed to support Wood Ducks, Mallards, Wild Turkeys, and Quail, as well as the famous spring display of bluebells (timing permitting).
Expert Insights: Hear from Doug Brown (former IDNR Biologist) on habitat principles and Jay Gingerich (Gingerich Tree Farm) on establishing mast-producing trees.

What to Bring: Please wear sturdy hiking boots and dress for the weather and field conditions. We look forward to seeing you at the ridge!

Note on Directions: Use Google Maps, Apple Maps is incorrect. Access the property from 900N to 2150E, then turn left (east) on 800N. Please avoid 2275E via 800N, as that section is a steep dirt road and often impassable in wet conditions. We will post signage to make it easier to navigate.

Doug Brown is a retired wildlife biologist with 33 years of professional experience managing private and public land in Illinois. He grew up in rural east central Illinois with an interest in everything outdoors; attending Lake Land Community College and then Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.

His management approach is based on habitat establishment, maintenance, and enhancement. He concentrates on healthy plant communities to accomplish more holistic goals on the landscape. This approach also provides benefits to various wildlife species, enhancing the overall health of the focus properties.

From Canopy to Understory: Forest Management for Game Wildlife (05/07/2026)

Thu, 07 May 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Join the Illinois Forestry Association for the next installment in our From Canopy to Understory webinar series as Jarred Brooke of Purdue University explores forest management strategies that support game wildlife.

From spring gobblers to fall bucks, many landowners are interested in improving their woods for game species. This presentation will highlight ways to enhance habitat for the species you pursue. While also improving habitat for other wildlife along the way.

Jarred Brooke is an Extension Wildlife Specialist at Purdue University. His work focuses on helping landowners and land managers make informed stewardship decisions on their land. When he doesn’t have a drip torch in his hands, you will find him chasing pheasants, quail, or grouse behind his bird dog or stalking turkeys and deer in the timber.

Designed for landowners, forestry professionals, and wildlife enthusiasts, this session will provide practical, science-based guidance for managing woodlands with game species in mind.

2026 Illinois Spring Bird Count: SW Illinois Edition (05/09/2026)

Sat, 09 May 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Join the Illinois Forestry Association and local bird enthusiasts for a day of citizen science! The 2026 Illinois State Bird Count is a statewide effort to document our avian neighbors and the vital habitats that support them.

SW Illinois offers a unique "patchwork quilt" of bird diversity. From the "laughing" Wood Ducks in the southern-flatwood wetlands to the neon-glow of Indigo Buntings in the upland grasslands, our local landscape is home to an incredible variety of species. Whether you’re spotting a Pileated Woodpecker in the timber or a Summer Tanager in the river bottoms, every bird counted helps us understand and protect Illinois’ natural heritage.

This event celebrates the commitment of local landowners to maintaining diverse habitats. We invite birders of all skill levels to help us survey Washington County near Venedy, Okawville, and Nashville.

To RSVP: Please contact Jennifer Malacarne to join the count:

Call: 618-570-8942
Email: tanager2022@gmail.com

From Canopy to Understory: What's Bugging Your Trees? (05/12/2026)

Tue, 12 May 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Join Tricia Bethke, the Forest Pest Outreach Coordinator at the Morton Arboretum, for a lively discussion on what’s bugging our trees in our latest 'From Canopy to Understory' series. In recognition of Illinois Invasive Species Awareness Month each May, this program will highlight emerging and potential tree pests that threaten our forests and communities.

Learn how to identify common invasive insects, understand the risks they pose, and discover practical steps you can take to help manage and report them.

Whether you’re a landowner, gardener, or simply curious about tree health, this engaging session will help you become part of the solution.

2026 Family Forestry Field Day (05/16/2026)

Sat, 16 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Join the Illinois Forestry Association, Illinois Extension, the Walnut Council, and Illinois Tree Farm for the 2026 Family Forestry Field Day at the Torstenson Youth Conservation Education Center.

This interactive day is a hands-on demonstration for all ages, designed to help families and community members explore and appreciate forest ecosystems together. We will feature guided activities and live demonstrations led by forestry professionals.

Event Schedule

ADULT SESSIONS

9:00 AM - Welcome, Paul Diezman and Tricia Bethke, Illinois Forestry Association

9:05 AM - Managing Our Forests in a Changing Climate: Living and Non-living Agents Affecting Tree Health, Dr. Fredric Miller, Senior Scientist – Entomology at The Morton Arboretum & Illinois DNR Forest Health specialist

10:00 AM - Historical and Ecological Perspectives of Forest Foraging, Lindsay Darling, Ph.D., GIS and Data Administrator, Chicago Region Trees Initiative, Morton Arboretum

10:45 AM - Break. Explore the DNR Education Mobile Unit, IDNR Conservation Officer

11:00 AM - Improving Soil Health for Tree Growth and Longevity, Michelle Catania, Green Industry Outreach Coordinator, The Morton Arboretum

12:00 PM - Lunch Break

12:45 PM - Is This Plant Invasive or Not?, Stanley (Jay) Solomon, Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Educator, the University of Illinois Extension

1:15 PM - Native Trees and How To Plant Them, Justin Vozzo, Extension Specialist, Forestry, University of Illinois

2:00PM - Native tree potting and giveaway for all attendees!

2:30 PM - Closing

Youth Activities

Activities led by Illinois Extension, Jo Daviess, Stephenson and Winnebago Office Staff in the 4-H Youth Development Team

AM - All About Birds and Trees – nature walk and crafts

10:45 AM - IDNR Educational Mobile Unit – wildlife and beyond!

12:00 PM - Lunch

PM - Soil Exploration and “Potting Polooza” helps prepare native trees for planting

Important Details:

Lunch: A meal will be provided for all attendees.
Gear: Please wear appropriate outdoor gear and sturdy footwear suitable for walking in the woods.
Audience: This event is of interest to all ages, with specific programming for both adults and youth.
Registration: is $15 per adult, $10 for children ages 6-17, and free for 5 & unders.

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

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Overview

This year’s Annual Conference brings together forest landowners, professionals, and conservation enthusiasts for three days of field tours, educational sessions, and networking. This year's conference is all about wildlife! The event will be held at the Jarrett Prairie Center in Byron, Illinois.

This year we’re excited to visit The Nature Conservancy’s Nachusa Grasslands for two visits, including a pre-conference site visit, as well as a special IFA members-only tour at their annual “Autumn on the Prairie” fall festival on September 19! If you’re not already familiar, Nachusa Grasslands is a unique preserve, with sections of the preserve designated an Illinois Nature Preserve, alongside prairie remnants, innovative prairie and woodland restoration management areas, bison reintroduction, renowned volunteer program, conservation research and more!

What to Expect

Field tours, hands-on demonstrations, and expert talks
Networking, member meeting, and a silent auction supporting IFA programs
Indoor and outdoor concurrent sessions (choose your track on Friday afternoon)

Event program available soon!

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

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Overview

This year’s Annual Conference brings together forest landowners, professionals, and conservation enthusiasts for three days of field tours, educational sessions, and networking. This year's conference is all about wildlife! The event will be held at the Jarrett Prairie Center in Byron, Illinois.

This year we’re excited to visit The Nature Conservancy’s Nachusa Grasslands for two visits, including a pre-conference site visit, as well as a special IFA members-only tour at their annual “Autumn on the Prairie” fall festival on September 19! If you’re not already familiar, Nachusa Grasslands is a unique preserve, with sections of the preserve designated an Illinois Nature Preserve, alongside prairie remnants, innovative prairie and woodland restoration management areas, bison reintroduction, renowned volunteer program, conservation research and more!

What to Expect

Field tours, hands-on demonstrations, and expert talks
Networking, member meeting, and a silent auction supporting IFA programs
Indoor and outdoor concurrent sessions (choose your track on Friday afternoon)

Event program available soon!

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

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Overview

This year’s Annual Conference brings together forest landowners, professionals, and conservation enthusiasts for three days of field tours, educational sessions, and networking. This year's conference is all about wildlife! The event will be held at the Jarrett Prairie Center in Byron, Illinois.

This year we’re excited to visit The Nature Conservancy’s Nachusa Grasslands for two visits, including a pre-conference site visit, as well as a special IFA members-only tour at their annual “Autumn on the Prairie” fall festival on September 19! If you’re not already familiar, Nachusa Grasslands is a unique preserve, with sections of the preserve designated an Illinois Nature Preserve, alongside prairie remnants, innovative prairie and woodland restoration management areas, bison reintroduction, renowned volunteer program, conservation research and more!

What to Expect

Field tours, hands-on demonstrations, and expert talks
Networking, member meeting, and a silent auction supporting IFA programs
Indoor and outdoor concurrent sessions (choose your track on Friday afternoon)

Event program available soon!