Great Lakes Restoration Conference

November 4-5, Brookfield Zoo

Brookfield, IL (Chicago area)

Hear Representative Dan Lipinski of Illinois' Third District speak about what Congress is doing to restore the Great Lakes.

Join Audubon chapter leaders, volunteers, activists, speakers, and staff at the Great Lakes Restoration Conference. An updated agenda is below. Travel stipends are available to assist participants who need them. Apply through our registration form.

All pre-registered participants will be entered in our raffle. Grand prize is an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. in March to participate in our Great Lakes Training Workshop. Register today to be eligible!

Updated Agenda

Saturday, November 4

• 8:30-9:30 Registration, Continental Breakfast
  
  9:30 Welcome
  Brookfield Zoo & Audubon Chicago Region
  
  
• 9:45-10:45 Protecting & Restoring the Great Lakes - Challenges & Opportunities
  April Gromnicki, Assistant Director, Government Relations, Audubon
  Mike Daulton, Director, Conservation Policy, Audubon
  
• 10:45-11:15 The Honorable Dan Lipinski, U.S. House of Representatives
  
  
• 11:15-12:15 The Perfect Storm: The Time to Act for the Great Lakes Is Now!
  Judy Beck, Lake Michigan Manager, Great Lakes National Program Office, EPA
  
  
• 12:15-1:30 Lunch - The Honorable Richard M. Daley, Mayor, City of Chicago (invited)
  
  
• 1:30-3:00 Advocacy/Grassroots Workshops
  Connie Mahan, Director, Grassroots Outreach, Audubon
  Karen Orenstein, National Outreach Coordinator, Audubon
  Marni Urso, Grassroots Coordinator, Audubon Ohio
  
  
• 3:00-3:15 Break
  
  
• 3:15-4:30 Concurrent Workshops
  Session A. Surefire Press Tips: Unraveling the Media Mystery
  Tony Iallonardo, Director of Communications, Policy Office, Audubon
  Session B. Citizen Science: Vanguard for Important Bird Areas
  Paul Green, Ph.D., Director, Citizen Science, Science Office, Audubon
  Session C. Aliens in the Great Lakes: Exotic Aquatic Invasive Species
  Mike Daulton, Director, Conservation Policy, Policy Office, Audubon
  
  
• 4:30 Wrap-up
  

Sunday, November 5, 9AM - noon, Salt Creek Nature Reserve (aka Bob Mann Woods)

Optional Workday with Audubon Chicago - Ecosystem Restoration Project

If you would like to sign up for the work day, please contact Audubon's National Outreach Coordinator Karen Orenstein. Restoration work includes cutting brush and small trees and burning brush piles. Wear sturdy work shoes, preferably boots, and clothes that you don't mind getting dirty. Do not wear fleece. Please bring your own water and snacks.

Directions: Salt Creek Nature Reserve is located on the south side of 31st Street between First Avenue and Wolf Road near La Grange, IL (the next town over from Brookfield). From the Zoo's north entrance or from First Avenue, drive west on 31st Street for approximately 2.5 miles. You will see N Brainard Street on the left (south) side of the street. Look for a big grassy area on the left side of the street. There should be a sign pointing you in the right direction. If you reach Wolf Street, you have gone too far. Parking is limited, and carpooling is strongly encouraged. Look for parking on the north side of 31st Street or at the pull-ins by Wolf Road Prairie (on the north side of 31st Street, just past Wolf Street).

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