Wild Things Conference

The Wild Things Conference celebrates the volunteers, nonprofits, governments, and partners working together to care for the nature and wildlife in their communities. Recognized as one of the nation’s largest networks of people engaged with nature, the community is made up of stewards, advocates, educators, volunteers, and professional staff, all working together to promote and protect prairies, woodlands, wetlands, wild yards, and natural parks of Illinois, the Great Lakes, and the Upper Midwest.

The biennial conference is the largest conservation gathering in the Midwest, regularly drawing nearly 2,000 attendees for the single-day event. The 2027 Conference will take place on Saturday, February 27, in Rosemont, Illinois, and focus on innovative, adaptive solutions to the climate and biodiversity crisis and the importance of human interventions. Wild Things celebrates the diverse dimensions of conservation, stewardship, engagement through seven enriching session tracks in arts and culture, community engagement, and environmental education. There will be a keynote speaker, learning sessions, and social event. Visit our website for updates.