Let’s Talk About It!
The Conservation Conversation is a meeting of members of the general public, representatives of a variety of organizations and agencies, and faculty, students and staff of Purdue University Fort Wayne. We seek to educate, inform, and facilitate dialogue among local and regional organizations and other stakeholders about the opportunities and challenges for conservation efforts in our growing community. By coming together to share research, experience, and perspectives, participants foster collaboration to promote the best outcomes for the quality of life in our region. We hope you’ll join us!
Upcoming Conversation
Pathways to Progress
October 26th, 2023
Photo by Michael Homoya, a 2023 keynote speaker.
- Various Speakers
- Silent Auction
- Fundraising Dinner
- Interactive Displays
Join us on October 26th, 2023, in the International Ballroom at Purdue University Fort Wayne for this year’s annual Conservation Conversation. There will be a silent auction, interactive displays, a fundraising dinner with live entertainment from Alicia Pyle, and more to accompany various speakers throughout the day and panels on topics related to this year’s theme: Pathways to Progress featuring our keynote speakers for this year, Jesse Kharbanda and Michael Homoya.
Past Conversations:
1st Annual Meeting: April 15, 2018
In the opening year, the Conversation was held in the (then) Indiana – Purdue Fort Wayne Alumni Center. The event featured 18 speakers representing the City of Fort Wayne, the Department of Natural Resources, not for profits like ACRES Land Trust, and a variety of faculty from Purdue Fort Wayne that are affiliated with the ERC.
We had over 100 people in attendance – presenting, displaying, and generally joining in the conversation. It was a wonderful success! However, it became clear that we could grow, and would need a bigger venue. But those are good problems to have.
Photo by Sayaka Ganz, our 2019 keynote speaker.
2nd Annual Meeting: April 6, 2019
In 2019, we kicked off with a welcome from Mayor Tom Henry. Throughout the day, more than 25 presentations were given on subjects including climate change, local sustainability efforts, river water quality, and wildlife research.
Numerous displays featuring area conservation organizations, hands-on activities, and a rain barrel demonstration encouraged participants to talk with people from various perspectives in conservation.
The afternoon closed with an environmentally centered silent auction, and we finished the day with a reception and a dinner featuring sculptor Sayaka Ganz, who shared the inspirations for her stunning sculptures, spectacular representations of nature using repurposed metal and plastic items.
