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The Chicago Wilderness Alliance's Cafe series serves up conversations on topics affecting our region, including Green Vision Initiatives, conservation issues of common concern, new and innovative work, and challenges. Connect virtually with your colleagues to share ideas, pose questions, and find out what's happening around the region.

Registration is always free and open to the public. View all our recorded Cafes and webinars.

Upcoming Cafes

• Building Community Resilience through Climate Education: A Midwest Collaboration
  Wednesday, October 14, 2026, 11:00 AM

  While climate change is a global challenge, the most effective solutions are often local. This cafe explores how our organization utilizes interdisciplinary climate education as a vital connector between environmental stewardship and community resilience across Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan. We will share adaptable resources that are place-based and scientist-vetted, translating complex climate and environmental topics into actionable K-12 learning. By highlighting specific regional examples, such as our Wisconsin-based curriculum on localized flooding, we demonstrate how personal narratives and local data help students and community members visualize their role in a sustainable future.

  Presenters:
  Katie Nahrwold, Illinois State Lead, Subject to Climate

  Bridget Booth, Michigan State Lead, Subject to Climate

  Mike Aprill, Wisconsin State Lead, Subject to Climate

  Register for Community Resilience Cafe

• Measuring Share, Building Equity: The Vine Trellis Project
  Friday, October 23, 12pm - 1:00pm

• Climate-related health risks can vary dramatically from one Chicago block to the next. Network49’s Environmental Justice Committee is addressing these disparities through the Vine Trellis Project, which focuses on neighborhoods with high heat exposure and low tree canopy. The project uses hands-on measurements to explore how increased tree shade can help mitigate heat.
  
  Beyond measuring heat, the project is building a cohort of young citizen-scientists engaged in their communities and environmental justice. This Congress cafe will explore how the Vine Trellis Project’s techniques can be adapted to different neighborhoods, community needs, and scales.

  Presenters:

  James Kern, Network49’s Environmental Justice Committee

  Lauren Casper, Loyola University

  Morgan Wilmes, Loyola University

  Conor McGuire, Loyola University

Register for Measuring Shade Cafe

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Chicago Wilderness Alliance Partners: Create a Cafe

Are you a Chicago Wilderness Alliance partner with a conservation success story you'd like to share or a topic to introduce and discuss with your peers? We'd love to have you create a Cafe session! 

Cafes are conducted via Zoom and typically last 1 hour. We can provide template slides or other assistance. We'll also promote your session on social media and in our monthly newsletter. 

Complete the Cafe request form below to create and hold your own CWA Cafe. Or contact Laura Reilly to talk through your Cafe session idea. Thanks for sharing your expertise with the Chicago Wilderness Alliance network!