Join the Iowa Society of American Foresters for their 2026 Fall Meeting in Dubuque and Peosta, Iowa! This two-day event features a guided field tour of the historic New Melleray Abbey, technical presentations, and valuable networking opportunities for forestry professionals, students, and enthusiasts.
Wednesday, October 28 (Peosta & Dubuque, IA):
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Business meeting, registration, welcome, and a presentation on the history of the New Melleray Forestry Program by Sam Mulgrew at Holy Family Church (16318 Holy Family Lane, Peosta, IA).
11:00 AM – 4:30 PM: Field tour at New Melleray Abbey (lunch provided in the field). Field topics include:
4-year-old Direct Seeding and Beaver Analogs
27-year-old Clearcut management
25-year-old Walnut Gem and Oak Gem Direct Seeding
4-year-old Slash Wall demonstration
5:30 PM: Evening dinner and silent auction at Jubecks New World Brewing (115 W 11th St, Dubuque, IA). The silent auction concludes at 8:00 PM (contributions of auction items or cash for bidding are strongly encouraged!).
Thursday, October 29 (Peosta, IA):
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Morning presentations at the Swiss Valley Nature Center (13606 Swiss Valley Rd, Peosta, IA):
Lead Mines in Dubuque County – Samantha Murphy-Sharp (Office of State Archaeologist)
The Rise and Fall of Garlic Mustard and Other Invasives – John Pearson
11:00 AM: Event wrap-up.
Professional Members: $60
Students: $25
Non-members: $85
RSVP Deadline: October 21, 2026
To RSVP or ask questions, contact Gretchen Cline at gretchencline@gmail.com or call 563-349-9918.
Please send advance payments to: Gretchen Cline, PO Box 86, Swedesburg, IA 52652.
Hotel: Holiday Inn Dubuque, 450 Main St, Dubuque, IA 52001 (563-556-2000)
Group Rate: $110/night block rate available until September 28. (Note: If booking at the state rate, please call the hotel directly outside of the reserved block)
