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
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
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
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
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
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.
