Registration is open August 19–September 18!
Summit At-a-Glance
October 1–3, 2026
Summit Program
Networking Highlights
Thursday Social and Owl Banding (6-9pm)
Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center – Wisconsin Campus, Hudson
Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center invites you to a free social gathering and live research experience at their Wisconsin Campus in Hudson! Connect with fellow nature enthusiasts over complimentary refreshments, network with nature volunteers, and step behind the scenes to observe saw-whet owl banding as these tiny raptors migrate through the St. Croix River Valley. It’s a great, no-cost opportunity to explore the grounds, expand your community, and witness wildlife conservation in action.
Friday Keynote Dinner (4:30pm)
University Center at UW–River Falls
Friday’s Keynote Speaker:
Sandy Spieler
“For the Water”
Keynote Speaker Sandy Spieler is an artist and activist focused on Water for over 40 years. Beginning with a deep reverence and gratitude for Water, she uses art, research, and common sense to inspire relationship with, and care for, the Water that connects us all.
Sandy will speak of her engrossing journey of art and activism that investigates and celebrates the foundational importance of Water as the inter-connecting lifeblood of our entire planet.
For more info, check out Sandy’s website: https://sandyspieler.com/water-work/
Friday Evening Social, 6:30pm
The Falcon’s Nest, University Center at UW–River Falls
Join us for a Volunteer Fair and Social (with cash bar) after the Keynote Dinner on Friday. Network and find new opportunities to volunteer, have some dessert while you get to know other participants, and help support the Wisconsin Master Naturalist Program by bidding on some Tiny Art.
| Volunteer Fair | Visit with more than 20 organizations looking for you! | 6:30-8:00pm |
| Social | Cash bar and desserts | 6:30-8:30pm |
| Award Presentations | Outstanding: Master Naturalist Volunteer Volunteer Project Master Naturalist Instructor | 6:45pm 7:00pm 7:30pm |
| Nature’s Canvas Tiny Art Show | Online Auction ends | 8:00pm |
| Art Pickup | Need not be present to win, but if you are you can take it home with you! | 8:30pm |
Volunteer Fair
We’ll update this list as more organizations are added.
Bat Ambassadors and Wisconsin Bat Program, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center
Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin
Wisconsin Bat Conservation Network
Wisconsin Master Naturalist Program – Backpacker Sustained Giving Community
Wisconsin Master Naturalist Program – Tiny Art Show
Xerces Society