By Andi Anderson
The Midwest-Great Lakes Chapter of the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) will host its 16th Annual Meeting from April 25–27, 2025, at Stoney Creek Hotel & Event Center in Moline, Illinois.
This year’s theme, "Engaging Agricultural and Rural Communities in Ecological Restoration," highlights the importance of conservation efforts in farming regions.
Key Highlights of the Event
The event will feature a keynote presentation by Dr. Laura Jackson from the University of Northern Iowa Tallgrass Prairie Center on restoring prairies in agricultural landscapes. A roundtable discussion will bring together experts to share successes and challenges in restoration projects across Illinois and Iowa.
Attendees can choose from three hands-on workshops covering native seed mix design, construction monitoring, and soil-based painting techniques. The conference will also include four symposia, addressing topics such as:
- Wetland bank restoration in agricultural areas
- Nature-based solutions for rural and urban communities
- Agroecology and sustainable land management
- Building relationships between farmers and conservationists
Presenters from across the Midwest will share insights on prairie, forest, wetland, and stream restoration efforts. Additionally, a poster session will showcase research on topics such as hardwood planting success, nutrient removal in constructed wetlands, and volunteer training in ecological restoration.
Field Trips and Networking Opportunities
On April 27, attendees can participate in one of eight field trips, exploring restoration sites like Niabi Zoo Habitat, Black Hawk State Historic Site, and Ringneck Marsh Wildlife Area. Several networking events will be held, including a sponsorship reception and a no-host social.
Registration and Details
Registration is open through the SER Events platform. Fees range from $40 to $300, with early registration discounts for students and members.
This event provides a unique opportunity for farmers, conservationists, and researchers to collaborate on sustainable land management and ecological restoration efforts.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-fotokostic
Categories: Illinois, Rural Lifestyle