On behalf of the entire Chicago Wilderness Alliance, we'd like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who was part of our 2025 Celebration of Conservation. What an incredible evening of joy, inspiration, and connection it was! A special thanks to our amazing hosts, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, for providing the perfect venue to highlight your work, and to our review teams and commissioners for their diligence and enthusiasm. 

Honoring the people and projects recognized as true Forces of Nature and outstanding examples of Excellence in Ecological Restoration reminded us all of the power of dedication, collaboration, and love for our planet.

This year we celebrated an astonishing 31 people, projects, and places! Each story shared and every achievement recognized reflected the strength of a community that refuses to stand still in the face of environmental challenges. You are living proof that when passion meets purpose, real and lasting change is possible.

Thank you for the heart you bring to your work, for the countless hours you devote to conservation and community, and for the hope you share so freely. 

Enjoy these photos from the event. Your smiling faces and arms wrapped around your colleagues say it all: this is the best region, doing the greatest work, thanks to your impact, your spirit, and the connections that unite us all, no matter how big the challenges.

View more photos or upload any you took during the Celebration at the link below. 

View or upload Celebration photos

View the Celebration of Conservation program

View the press release for full details on our 2025 honorees

About the Celebration of Conservation

Every two years, the Chicago Wilderness Alliance gathers to:
🌱 Celebrate our George B. Rabb Force of Nature honorees — individuals and organizations whose conservation, restoration, advocacy, and education efforts inspire us all.
🌱 Recognize our Excellence in Ecological Restoration accredited sites — shining examples of best practices that strengthen ecosystems here in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, and beyond.
🌱 Appreciate our extraordinary community — over 330 organizations and countless passionate people working side by side for a healthier, more resilient region.