Wild Things 2025

This study investigates the impacts of weather on oak masting in the Chicagoland region and explores its links to Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) populations. Over a eight-year period (2017-2024), we collected acorn data from northern red, white, bur, and pin oaks within the Chicago Wilderness Region. We tested hypotheses regarding factors that influence annual acorn abundances, with a focus on spring and summer weather conditions such as precipitation and temperature. Preliminary findings suggest that acorn mast cycles—characterized by years of low and high acorn production—are influenced by weather patterns and may drive changes in the populations of acorn-caching species like the Red-headed Woodpecker. Analysis of eBird data from 2016-2024 shows that acorn availability could influence woodpecker overwintering behavior and year-round presence in Chicagoland forest preserves. Our study highlights the ecological importance of oak masting on wildlife dynamics and provides insight into the drivers of acorn production and seasonal Red-headed Woodpecker habitat use.

This session will be a panel of 3 elected officials and one moderator. The purpose is to educate attendees on how local elected officials can collaborate on environmental issues and make positive change. The chosen officials for the panel are all outstanding environmental advocates who have strong relationships with environmental organizations. Collaboration between elected officials and constituents is imperative to policy-making and finding solutions to the most pressing environmental issues.

How do we solve the critical issues we are facing today with our environment?
What are the most effective strategies to address these urgent environmental challenges?

There is no single answer, and we are all still working toward that, but what we do know is that humans are the key. Getting people involved all the way from the grassroots level is going to be the driving force in creating those solutions and putting them into action.

For over 10 years, we at Wings and Talons have been working with ambassador birds of prey as our partners in live educational presentations as a gateway to get people connected with our environment and jumpstart their involvement in conservation. Join us to see how a grassroots organization that is powered by volunteers, donations and passion has been reaching thousands of people of all ages to create and nurture these connections. In this session, we'll share the approaches we use, the strategies we employ, and the lessons we have learned.

In the spring of 2023, the Sackett vs. EPA Supreme Court decision drastically weakened the scope of federal wetlands protections. Illinois was left particularly vulnerable as one of the many states lacking comprehensive wetland protection legislation. An alliance of conservation, environmental, and climate organizations convened in response, launching a statewide grassroots campaign to fill the gaps left by the Sackett decision. Presenters will detail their journey, from bill development to lobbying in Springfield, and discuss how advocates can support similar efforts to enact durable, systemic environmental policy.

Learn how to engage and sustain long-term relationships in Black and Brown communities by reconnecting to nature through interactive healing modalities. Experience nature-inspired meditation, sound healing, and discussion in this experiential workshop. Equitable access to nature positively impacts individuals from BIPOC communities with the ability to heal from trauma, improve interpersonal relationships, and further help to address racial injustice or inequities in natural spaces. Light of Loving Kindness specializes in creating Outdoor Rx programs, including Self Love in Nature, Camping While Black, and Self Love Bootcamp. Our programs engage individuals from Black and Brown communities in a meaningful relationship with nature through our unique blend of holistic wellness practices and education.

Our phenology study at LREC, ongoing since 2014, focuses on the timing of flower bloom in our prairies and woodlands. This project has not only built a useful, long-term data set for future research and analysis, but also helps us gain a better understanding of the plant communities we manage and gives us an opportunity to engage our community in an interesting and constructive way.

Seeking out herpetofauna, also known as “herping,” is a niche hobby akin to birdwatching. Herping has great potential for growing interest in conservation, citizen science, and connecting with nature. Many herpetologists got their start as hobbyists, and the rise of social media has helped herping into the limelight. Herps are often seen as uncharismatic, but growing exposure of these reclusive animals may help bolster support for their conservation. This talk is about what herping is, how to herp responsibly without disturbing herpetofauna, and how to harness a passion for herping to help conservation through citizen science.