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• IFA 20th Annual Conference

  • Start
    09/18/2025
  •  
  • End
    09/20/2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    3 sessions
  • Location
    Lewis and Clark Community College, Trimpe Advanced Technology Center, Walter S. Ahlemeyer Atrium, Room 141, 5800 Godfrey Rd., Godfrey, IL

  Register

  Join us for a special milestone: the 20th Anniversary of the Illinois Forestry Association!

  This year’s Annual Conference brings together forest landowners, professionals, and conservation enthusiasts for three days of field tours, educational sessions, and networking. We’ll also be unveiling IFA’s new mission, vision, and logo—a fresh chapter for our growing community. The event will be held at Lewis & Clark Community College in Godfrey, Illinois.

  Conference Highlights

  Thursday, Sept. 18

  • Afternoon field tour of the Lovett property (3169 Churchman Hollow Rd, Michael, IL 62065) led by IFA President Paul Deizman (1:30pm)

  • Evening social hour with appetizers and cash bar @ LCCC (5-7pm)

  • Silent auction opens

  Friday, Sept. 19 (8am-5pm, LCCC)

  • Morning member meeting and opening remarks

  • Educational sessions covering a range of forestry topics (see below)

  • Indoor and outdoor concurrent sessions in the afternoon

  • Silent auction closes in the evening

  Saturday, Sept. 20 (8am-12pm)

  • Optional Saturday morning field tour

  • Visit La Vista Ecological Learning Center and The Palisades Preserve

  • Coffee and light snack before hikes

  
  

  Topics Covered

  • Stewarding IFA Properties – Strategies for managing demonstration forests for education, conservation, and engagement.

  • State Forestry Update – News and priorities from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

  • Women in Forestry – Insights from the Women Owning Woodlands program, fostering networks and landowner leadership.

  • Geology & Forest Health – How regional geology shapes forest ecosystems and management.

  • Wildlife Habitat – Best practices for supporting native wildlife on forested lands.

  • Pollinator-Friendly Forestry – Using native plants to promote pollinator health and ecological diversity.

  • Prescribed Burns – Ecological benefits and how-to basics of controlled fire in forest management.

  • Tree & Shrub Identification – Hands-on training to improve woodland plant recognition.

  • Drone Technology in Forestry – Modern tools for monitoring and managing forest lands.

  
  

  Registration Fee

  • Early-Bird (Now–Sept 3): $50

  • Regular (Sept 4–Sept 20): $60

  Registration includes all sessions and tours, social hour appetizers, Friday lunch and refreshments, and access to the silent auction. Registration is open through the final day of the conference.

  Lodging & Travel Info:
  Room Block @ Holiday Inn Express & Suites Alton - St Louis Area, or

  Mention IFA when checking in @ Best Western Plus Parkway Hotel

  Questions? Email events@ilforestry.org

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• Paw Paw Pawpaw Festival

  • When
    09/20/2025
  • Location
    Paw Paw, Illinois

  The second annual Paw Paw Pawpaw Festival is September 20, 2025! This growing event celebrates the unique pawpaw fruit with fresh fruit and seedlings for sale, educational talks, and pawpaw-themed food and drink. Starting with a 5K/10K run at 8:00 AM, the festival offers a full day of pawpaw celebration until 6:30 PM.

  Families can enjoy pawpaw-themed activities for kids, while everyone is welcome to explore the vendors offering a variety of pawpaw products. Our tram tours will showcase local pawpaw plantings, and in the afternoon, visitors can enjoy live music and refreshments at the beer garden. Whether you're new to pawpaws or a seasoned enthusiast, the festival offers something for everyone.

  Learn More Here!
  

  
  

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