2024 Land Conservation Conference Update
What an exhilarating experience for all!
This year’s conference at Starved Rock State Park was our best and biggest yet thanks to our 130 guests and 43 sponsors! We also were able to announce PSCC will receive a significant grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation of up to $42 million, for us to continue our work in the preservation and enhancement of natural habitats and wildlife areas in Illinois.
Some of the presentations are available for your review:
Here are some photos from our three day conference…
PSCC President Brook McDonald
Edwin Prom (l) and Jeff Boland-Prom, Illinois Beaver Alliance
JoAnn Fricke and James Hill, Clifftop
Justin Rigler and Monica Komorowski, ILM
Judy Barnard (back to camera), Natural Land Institute, chatting with (from left) Tom Clay, Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation; Lisa Haderlein, Land Conservancy of McHenry County; and, Paul Botts, The Wetlands Initiative.
Skeet (l), Brent Lundstrom, Bartlett Tree Experts (and Rebecca Olson)
David Stout of Bluestem Ecological Services with Rebecca Olson, Olson Ecological Solutions
Nick Fuller, Natural Communities
Scavenger Hunt Winners: Jill Kennay, Natural Land Institute; Justin Rigler, ILM; Victoria Livingston, Prairie Land Conservancy
Zachary Taylor and Alexandra Simmons, Stantec
Todd Strole, Illinois Nature Preserves, and John Rogner, retiring from IDNR
Zina Cruse, Alpha Kappa Alpha Professional Women’s Service Sorority
IDNR Executive Director Natalie Phelps Finnie and Steve Barg
Speaker Johari Cole-Kweli and Executive Director Jo Fessett, Illinois Audubon Society
Emy Brawley, The Conservation Fund
Brook McDonald and Joann Fricke, Clifftop
Brook McDonald and Jerry Adelmann, retiring from Openlands
Brook McDonald and David King, Prairie Land Conservancy
Brook McDonald and John Rogner
This year’s honorees
Brandon Hayes, Bold Bison Communications, and Paul Baits, retired, Natural Land Institute
Tharran Hobson, The Nature Conservancy, with his PSCC cap
Joann Fricke and her famous homemade breads
Bill Quackenbush, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer, Ho Chunk Nation
Back Door Lounge, Starved Rock