Location: Gateway Convention Center, 1 Gateway Drive, Collinsville, IL 62234
Event Fee: $80.00 before February 27 - $85 after
https://extension.illinois.edu/events/2026-03-04-2026-gateway-green-conference
University of Illinois Extension invited you to support a thriving, sustainable environment.
Conference Schedule
Session I | 8 - 9 AM
Pruning Young Shade Trees – Ryan Pankau, Illinois Extension
Interconnected Landscapes – Jack Pizzo, The Pizzo Group
Session II | 9:10 - 10:10 AM
Managing Trees in Decline – Chelsi Abbott, The Davey Institute
Stormwater and Rain Gardens – Layne Knoche, Illinois Extension and Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant
Mushrooms of Illinois – Andrew Miller, Illinois Natural History Survey
Session III | 10:20 - 11:20 AM
Mo' Factors, Mo' Problems; Diagnosing Oaks – Chelsi Abbott, The Davey Institute
Soil Secrets Revealed: How to Understand and Use Your Soil Test Results – Talon Becker, Illinois Extension
The Pollination of Native Plants – Heather Holm, pollinator conservationist and award-winning author
Lunch on your own | 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Lunch is not included in the program. Participants will be responsible for providing their own lunch during the designated break.
Session IV | 12:30 - 1:30 PM
Investing in the Future: Shade Tree Species Selection - Justin Vozzo, Illinois Extension
Shade Gardens: Native Plants and Ecological Benefits – Erin Garrett, Illinois Extension
Managing the Pesky Critters In and Around Your Home and Gardens – Matthew Springer, University of Kentucky
Session V | 1:40 - 2:40 PM
Breeding and Selecting Resilient Woody Plants – Nathan Maren, The Morton Arboretum
Making Decisions and Setting Priorities on Invasive Plant Management – Chris Evans, Illinois Extension
Preserving Prairies and the Turtles that Live in Them – Kimberly Rohling, Illinois Extension
Session VI | 2:50 - 3:50 PM
Tree City USA and Community Forestry Grants – Avery Viadero, Illinois Extension
Alternative Tools for Conservation – Kevin Rohling, Illinois Extension