The Conservation Foundation Book Club

6 days ago

When

Wednesday, October 1st 2025 at 18:30 US/Central

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

FAQ Did you know?

Conservation Community Sustainability Local

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 does this book club support The Conservation Foundation's mission?

The club uses nature-based literature to deepen community understanding of the land and inspire stewardship. Discussions spark ideas that often translate into local action—volunteer projects, advocacy, native-planting efforts, and citizen science—helping protect and restore natural areas the Foundation serves.

What can I do before the meeting to contribute more effectively to discussions?

Read the selection or key chapters, note passages or questions that moved you, and consider how themes relate to local landscapes and personal habits. Bring a notebook, mark favorites, and be ready to listen respectfully and share concise observations so more voices can participate.

After the meeting, what practical steps can I take to turn what I learned into action?

Start small and local: plant native species, reduce pesticide use, create pollinator habitat, install rain-capture or composting, join a restoration volunteer day, report wildlife sightings via citizen science apps, or support the Foundation through membership, donations, or event volunteering.

How can community supporters or partner organizations help the book club’s cause?

Supporters can promote the club, host or sponsor meetings, donate books or refreshments, offer speaker time or expertise, organize related service projects, provide matching donations for Foundation programs, or collaborate on outreach to bring more diverse participants.

What should I bring and what weather precautions should I take for an outdoor meeting?

Dress in layers, wear comfortable shoes, bring a refillable water bottle, a chair or blanket, and insect repellent. Check the event update if weather looks bad—meetings move indoors in inclement weather—and be prepared with a rain jacket or umbrella. Bring hand sanitizer and follow any health-safety guidance posted by the organizer.

Did you know?

People who feel a stronger connection to nature are more likely to take pro-environmental actions (e.g., habitat restoration, volunteering, conservation-friendly choices). Joining nature-focused discussions can strengthen that connection and motivate action.

Frontiers in Psychology (meta-analyses on nature connectedness and pro-environmental behavior) / National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) — https://www.neefusa.org

Reading literary works increases empathy and theory of mind — skills that make people more receptive to others’ perspectives, including the needs of the natural world. Discussing nature-based books can deepen empathy for ecosystems and species.

Kidd, D. C. & Castano, E., Science, 2013 — 'Reading literary fiction improves theory of mind' — https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1239918

Regular contact with green spaces is linked to reduced stress, better mental health, and improved cognitive function. Book clubs that center on nature literature often encourage more time outdoors, amplifying these benefits.

World Health Organization — Urban green spaces and health: a review of evidence — https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241513005

Community education and group activities (like book clubs) increase local stewardship: people who learn together are more likely to volunteer, support local conservation projects, and advocate for habitat protection.

National Environmental Education Foundation & studies in environmental education and conservation engagement — https://www.neefusa.org

Illinois has lost the vast majority of its original tallgrass prairie—commonly cited as less than 1% remaining—so local learning and engagement help support prairie restoration and native-species recovery in our region.

Illinois Department of Natural Resources / regional conservation organizations (prairie restoration resources) — https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr

Book clubs build lasting social ties and sustained learning — participants are more likely to follow through on new interests (including volunteering or attending restoration events) when they discuss ideas with peers.

American Library Association on book clubs and community engagement / research on learning retention in group discussion settings — https://www.ala.org