The Conservation Foundation Book Club

in 12 days

When

Wednesday, April 1st 2026 at 18:30 US/Central

“Sand Talk: How Indigenous Thinking Can Save the World” by Tyson Yunkaporta

McDonald Farm - Bill Dawe Pavilion*

We want to bring our community together to discuss ideas within nature-based literature. It’s a great way to get to know each other, as well as deepen our understanding and relationship to the land we live on. This group will be led by our friend, Kristy Belton, and meet every other month on the first Wednesday. We hope you’ll join us! This event is free and no registration is required!

*Weather permitting, we’ll meet in the Bill Dawe Pavilion. If inclement weather, we’ll meet in the Clow Education Center.

View our McDonald Farm map here to find building locations, gardens, and where to park.

FAQ Did you know?

Community Conservation Sustainability Education Indigenous

Where

10S404 Knoch Knolls Rd, Naperville, IL, USA

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Organizer

The Conservation Foundation

Simply put, we save land and we save rivers, and we’ve been at it for more than 50 years. Founded in 1972, The Conservation Foundation is one of the region’s oldest and largest not-for-profit land and watershed conservation organizations dedicated to preserving and restoring open space, protecting rivers and watersheds and promoting stewardship of the environment in northeastern Illinois. We focus our work in DuPage, Kane, Kendall and Will Counties, but have also had the honor of working on significant projects in Cook, DeKalb, Grundy and LaSalle Counties.

FAQ

How can I prepare to contribute meaningfully to the discussion?

Read at least the assigned chapters or key passages, note phrases or ideas that struck you, and write 2–3 open-ended questions or connections to local land and conservation. Come ready to listen, cite specific passages when possible, and share reflections rather than generalizations—that makes small-group and whole-group conversation richer.

How can attendees translate themes from Sand Talk into concrete conservation action?

Identify one small, local action inspired by the book—plant native species, volunteer for a habitat restoration, support Indigenous-led environmental organizations, or host a follow-up neighborhood discussion. Commit to a specific next step at the meeting (date, task, or contact) so conversation turns into measurable community impact.

What on-the-day practices make the meeting more productive and welcoming?

Bring your book, a notebook, a pen, and a reusable water bottle; arrive a few minutes early to settle in; keep remarks concise so others can speak; offer to help facilitate or take notes; and suggest a short list of action items or resources at the end to carry momentum beyond the meeting.

What etiquette should I follow when discussing Indigenous perspectives and traditional knowledge?

Center the author and Indigenous voices, avoid speaking for Indigenous peoples, ask clarifying questions respectfully, resist romanticizing or reducing complex cultures to single ideas, acknowledge what you don’t know, and be open to correction. When sharing sources or ideas, name them so the group can follow up on authentic voices.

Are there weather or precautionary measures I should take for an outdoor pavilion meeting?

Dress in layers, bring sun protection and insect repellent, wear sturdy shoes, and carry a light rain jacket or umbrella—meetings may move indoors if weather is inclement. Pack out any trash and follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the site and wildlife.

Did you know?

Indigenous and local knowledge systems contribute substantially to biodiversity conservation and sustainable ecosystem management; integrating that knowledge with scientific approaches leads to better conservation outcomes.

IPBES Global Assessment (summary) — https://ipbes.net/global-assessment

Environmental education and guided group learning (like book clubs) increase awareness and are linked to greater pro-environmental attitudes and actions among participants.

National Environmental Education Foundation — Why Environmental Education Matters — https://www.neefusa.org/

Spending time in nature is good for health: research finds people who spend at least 120 minutes per week in nature are more likely to report good health and well-being — joining nature-focused events is an easy way to get that time.

Scientific Reports (2019) — 'Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing' — https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-44097-3

Planting and protecting native plants supports pollinators and local biodiversity—small efforts around homes, parks, and community gardens add up to big benefits for ecosystems.

Xerces Society — Pollinator Conservation Resources — https://xerces.org/pollinator-conservation

Volunteer stewardship and community conservation programs measurably improve park and habitat health while building local connections—getting involved is a direct way to help your local landscape.

U.S. National Park Service — Volunteers & Service/Benefits of Volunteering — https://www.nps.gov/subjects/volunteers/index.htm

Learning about Indigenous perspectives through books and community discussion helps people better understand stewardship practices and supports respectful dialogue—an important step toward community-based conservation and reconciliation.

United Nations — Indigenous Peoples and the Environment / UN resources on indigenous knowledge and rights — https://www.un.org/development/desa/indigenouspeoples/