Conservation On Tap

Ongoing

Started: 7 hours ago

Ends: in 5 months

Bubblehouse Brewing Company

Registration is NOT required!

Conservation on Tap is a series hosted by The Conservation Foundation’s Next Gen Advisory Council. It is designed to introduce folks to different aspects of local conservation and provide an opportunity for networking in a casual, drop-in setting. A different guest speaker provides a quick presentation on a conservation topic, usually focused on different career tracks available for those looking to work in this industry. Join us at Bubblehouse Brewing Company in Lisle the first Tuesday of the month from October through March!

October Speaker:

Maddie Olivieri-Rangel, DuPage County Master Gardener Program Coordinator and Next Gen Advisory Council Member

Topic:
Invasive Species

FAQ Did you know?

Conservation Local Community Awareness Invasives

Where

2121 Ogden Avenue unit a, Lisle, 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

What is the goal of Conservation on Tap and why should I attend?

Conservation on Tap introduces local conservation topics and career paths in a casual, drop-in setting—great for learning, making connections, and discovering ways to get involved. Attend to hear experts (this month: invasive species), ask specific questions about local work, meet other advocates, and identify concrete next steps you can take in your community or career.

How can I prepare to get the most out of the invasive species presentation?

Do a quick look-up of common invasive plants/animals in your area so you know what to look for, bring a smartphone with the iNaturalist app or camera to capture photos, prepare 2–3 focused questions (e.g., removal best practices, volunteer opportunities, career steps), and bring business cards or contact info for follow-up networking.

What immediate actions can I take after the event to support local conservation and combat invasive species?

Report sightings to iNaturalist or EDDMapS, remove invasive plants following recommended disposal methods (don’t compost or dump where they can spread), replace them with native species, sign up for volunteer events with The Conservation Foundation or local parks, join the Master Gardener program or Next Gen Advisory Council, and share resources and event learnings with neighbors and on social media.

How can supporters or volunteers be most effective at the event itself?

Support the venue by purchasing a drink or snack, arrive ready to listen and introduce yourself to speakers and organizers, offer specific skills or time (social media help, outreach, event support), recruit friends or colleagues, and amplify the event afterwards by sharing photos and key takeaways with tags/mentions to help raise awareness.

Are there any precautions or things I should bring to be comfortable and safe?

This is a casual indoor event, but consider bringing a mask and hand sanitizer if you prefer extra protection, dress in layers in case the room temperature varies, and bring a charged phone for note-taking or species ID apps. If you plan to join any hands-on follow-up (trails or plant work), wear closed-toe shoes and bring gloves.

Did you know?

Invasive species are estimated to cost the U.S. economy around $120 billion each year in damages and control efforts—local action helps reduce those costs and protect community natural resources.

https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/subject/economic-impacts

Early detection and reporting by volunteers is one of the most effective ways to stop invasive species; citizen observations to monitoring programs often enable faster containment and eradication.

https://www.usgs.gov/programs/invasive-species-program/science/early-detection-and-rapid-response

Simple habits—like following 'Clean, Drain, Dry' for boats and inspecting gear and footwear—significantly reduce the spread of aquatic and terrestrial invasive species. Individual actions add up.

https://www.nps.gov/articles/prevent-spread.htm

Replacing invasive plants with native species in yards, parks, and restorations boosts local biodiversity and supports more pollinators and wildlife—small planting projects have outsized ecological benefits.

https://xerces.org/why-native-plants-matter

Many habitat restoration and monitoring efforts depend on volunteers—joining a local cleanup or planting day delivers tangible conservation results and builds practical skills.

https://www.nps.gov/subjects/volunteerism/index.htm

Informal events, talks, and volunteer projects are common pipelines into conservation careers—networking, internships, and hands-on experience often start at local gatherings.

https://www.fws.gov/careers/students