2026 Illinois Prescribed Fire Council Symposium
About this Event
The 2026 Illinois Prescribed Fire Council Symposium will be held on September 9-10th, 2026 at Giant City Lodge in scenic Giant City State Park in southern Illinois.
The Symposium will feature a full day of speakers, with a second day of field trips to several nearby fire management sites, led by local biologists and pracitioners. The Illinois Prescribed Fire Council Symposium brings together professional biologists, land managers, and fire operations specialists to collaborate and exchange ideas that advance the strategic use of prescribed fire in Illinois.
The Symposium will feature discussions on the latest fire science research, technologies, and more. We will also honor outstanding practitioners whose whose leadership, innovation, and commitment have advanced fire in their communities.
The event is open to the public, and offers an opportunity to network and strengthen connections across states, agencies, and disciplines.
Details
- Wednesday, September 9, 2026 | 9:30 am – 4 pm --> Field Trip to fire management sites
- Thursday, September 10, 2026 | 8 am – 4 pm --> Speaker sessions (with a catered lunch)
Where
Giant City Lodge
460 Giant City Lodge Rd, Makanda, IL 62958
Nestled in the heart of Giant City State Park around 25 minutes from Carbondale, Giant City Lodge offers on-site dining and a relaxing atmosphere surrounded by the breathtaking sandstone bluffs of the Shawnee National Forest. Beyond the lodge, visitors have access to local vineyards, orchards, zipline courses, and unique shops, along with opportunities to explore the park's iconic hiking trails.
For more information about hiking in the state park, see: https://dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.giantcity.html
Registration
Early Registration - $100
Walk-up Registration (at the event)* - $115
*Walk-up registrations can be purchased at the door for an additional $15 fee above the early registration rate, per ticket. Tickets purchased online prior to the early registration deadline will be charged at the discounted rate.
Fees collected cover event costs, as well as support future symposia and other initiatives championed by the Illinois Prescribed Fire Council to promote the use of prescribed fire across the state.
Please download the Eventbrite app or print your ticket to expedite the check-in process.
Accommodations & Lodging
Overnight accommodations are available onsite through Giant City Lodge, as space permits. Cabin rates range between approximately $90-$150/night. Camping is also available within the state park, along with hotel options in nearby Carbondale.
To make a reservation, book online at https://giantcitylodge.client.innroad.com/ or call (618) 457-4921.
Field Trip
Have some extra time? Join us the day before the 2026 IPFC Symposium on Wednesday, September 9th, 2026 for a series of field trips to local fire management sites. On the tour, we’ll carpool to visit several natural areas which have recently benefitted from the application of prescribed fire. Be prepared to hike off-trail, on uneven terrain. Meet in the Giant City Lodge parking lot at 9:30 a.m. sharp!
Wed, Sept 9
🕑: 09:30 AM - 04:00 PM
Field Trips
Info: Field trip to local fire management sites.
Thurs, Sept 10
🕑: 07:15 AM - 07:55 AM
Registration and Check-in
🕑: 08:00 AM - 08:10 AM
Welcome and Introductions
🕑: 08:10 AM - 09:00 AM
John Loveseth - Principia College
🕑: 09:05 AM - 09:30 AM
Mike Tiller | University of Wisconsin Stevens Point
🕑: 09:35 AM - 10:00 AM
Arthur Stefanski | University of Wisconsin Stevens Point
🕑: 10:20 AM - 10:45 AM
Brook Hagerty | Soil Scientist & Hydrologist, US Forest Service
🕑: 10:45 AM - 11:10 AM
David Cassin | Lake County Forest Preserves
🕑: 11:10 AM - 11:35 AM
Mark Vukovich | Wildlife Biologist, US Forest Service
🕑: 11:35 AM - 12:30 PM
Lunch
🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:00 PM
Awards Program
🕑: 01:05 PM - 02:15 PM
Panel: Volunteer Fire Departments and Prescribed Fire
🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:30 PM
Panel: Prescribed Burn Associations
🕑: 03:30 PM - 04:00 PM
Closing Remarks
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 100.00
