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.
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
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.
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
