Conservation Conversation – Greening the Watersheds

The Waterfield ERC’s largest event of the year, the Conservation Conversation will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026 from 9am-4pm in the Walb Union Classic Ballroom at Purdue University Fort Wayne (NOT the International Ballroom as it has been in years past). The theme of this year’s event is Greening the Watershed which will be a conversation about Fort Wayne’s future.

The Conservation Conversation is a meeting of members of the 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.

This year’s event will be different than years past and will be designed to be more than just a series of presentations and display opportunities. We’re creating space and fostering dialogue for conservation practitioners, researchers, planners, educators, students, and community leaders to share ideas, build connections, and imagine what’s possible when we work together. From neighborhoods and parks, to campuses, businesses, and public spaces, there are countless opportunities to rethink how our communities interact with nature – and how we interact with one another.