Center for the Arts
Jackson Hole, WY
Jackson Hole, WY
| Thu, Apr 30th, 2026
The Northern Rockies Conservation Symposium, formerly known as the Jackson Hole Wildlife Symposium, is a biennial gathering of conservation professionals, community leaders, and learning networks from Jackson Hole, the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE), the Northern Rockies region, and beyond. Organized and hosted by the Northern Rockies Conservation Cooperative (NRCC), 2026 marks the Symposium’s 10th anniversary.
The 2026 Symposium centers on the theme Building Resilient Networks for Conservation in a Changing Democracy. This day-long event will explore how more effective networks can advance shared conservation successes amid accelerating ecological change and mounting threats to social, political, and democratic norms. NRCC invites conservation and management professionals, scientists, elected officials, students, engaged community leaders, and interested citizens to participate in addressing the challenges facing the GYE, the region, and—more broadly—nature and humanity.
Free Community Keynote Event:
Center for the Art | 5:00 PM | April 30, 2026
The Community Keynote, Saving Democracy and the Environment, is the culminating public event of the Symposium. The keynote event begins at 5:00 p.m. with recognition of local conservation leaders through the Craighead Conservation Award, the Meg & Bert Raynes Citizen Conservation Award, and the inaugural Yellowstonian Conservation Leadership Award.
Dr. Christina Cromley Bruner of For 250 More will then deliver a keynote address on the vital connections between civic engagement and environmental stewardship, examining how the existential threats facing democracy are directly connected to the future of sustainability in the Greater Yellowstone region.
The program concludes with a reception and special art exhibit, offering an opportunity to connect with speakers, participants, and community members.
The keynote event is free and open to the public, and no registration is required.
Keynote Address by Dr. Christina Cromley Bruner. Her talk will draw on more than 20 years in government, academia, and nonprofits leading initiatives to strengthen oversight of federal programs, improve government, engage federal employees in meaningful change, and build cross-sector coalitions.
SYMPOSIUM AGENDA:
10th Biennial Northern Rockies Conservation Symposium
Center for the Arts, Jackson WY + Live Streaming
8:00 AM – 7:45 PM | April 30, 2026
8:00 – 8:30: Registration, coffee & breakfast
8:30 – 8:50: Welcome and opening remarks
8:50 – 10:15: A Look at Where We Are and Where We’re Headed: Existential Threats to Yellowstone’s Future and What We Can Do About It
Panel presentations by Susan Clark, Jonathan Schechter, Andrew Hansen, Robert Keiter, and Todd Wilkinson, moderated by Rich Wallace
10:15 – 10:35: Networking coffee break
10:35 – 11:45: Panel discussion + panel Q&A
Panelists respond to and synthesize morning presentations, with moderated Q&A
11:45 – 12:45: Professional networking lunch
- 12:15 – 12:35: Film Screening by Jake Davis
12:45 – 2:20: Adapting to a Changing Democracy: Session 1 Quicktalks + presenter Q&A
First in series of ten 6-minute presentations on current research, conservation projects, and other scientific, political, and social efforts by selected presenters, centered on the topic of Adapting to a Changing Democracy, followed by open group forum discussion and Q&A.
2:20 – 2:40: Break
2:40 – 4:15: Building Networks for Conservation: Session 2 Quicktalks + presenter Q&A
Second in series of ten 6-minute presentations on current research, conservation projects, and other scientific, political, and social efforts by selected presenters, centered on the topic of Building Networks for Conservation, followed by open group forum discussion and Q&A.
4:15 – 5:00: Poster session + light snacks
Poster exhibition featuring 21 presentations on current research and conservation projects.
5:00 – 7:45 Keynote Program
- 5:00 – 5:30: Welcome + Awards Ceremony
- Raynes Citizen Conservation Award, presented by Bernie McHugh and Frances Clark
- Craighead Conservation Award, presented by Peyton Griffin
- Yellowstonian Conservation Leadership Award, presented by Todd Wilkinson with Phil Hocker and Franz Camenzind
- 5:30 – 7:00: Saving Democracy & the Environment with Christina Cromley Bruner, moderated by Brot Coburn
- 7:00 – 7:45: Art exhibit + reception
- Event reception includes an art exhibit and networking over appetizers, bar drinks, and book signings.
50 Presentations, 30+ Affiliations
The 2026 Symposium will host a record number of Quicktalk and poster presentations, highlighting pressing community initiatives, innovative conservation research, collaborative management endeavors, and tangible calls to action. Presenters hail from across the Northern Rockies and Greater Yellowstone region and beyond, and represent over 30 unique institutional affiliations.
Panelists include Todd Wilkinson, Jonathan Schechter, Andrew Hansen, Susan Clark, and Robert Keiter. The keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Christina Cromley Bruner, Co-Founder and President of For 250 More.
Panelists
Susan G. Clark, PhD
Professor Emeritus, Yale School of the Environment | Fellow, World Academy of Art and Science | Co-Founder, Northern Rockies Conservation Cooperative
Jonathan Schechter, PhD
Council Member, Town of Jackson | Founder and Executive Director, Charture Institute
Andrew J. Hansen, PhD
Professor Emeritus of Ecology and Director, Landscape Biodiversity Lab at Montana State University
Robert B. Keiter, JD
Wallace Stegner Professor of Law and Director, Wallace Stegner Center for Land, Resources, and the Environment at the University of Utah
Todd Wilkinson
Journalist and Co-Founder, Yellowstonian
Ways to Participate
All-day, In-person
Symposium programming from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. requires registration. Registration is $75 and includes light breakfast, lunch, snacks, and coffee.
NRCC encourages participation by early-career professionals and students. Scholarships are available for early-career attendees (those with 1–3 years of professional experience post-education) and for current students at any degree level. Eligible attendees may use the promo code EARLYCAREER to receive $50 off registration.
Evening Keynote Event
The keynote event, Saving Democracy and the Environment, runs from 5:00 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. at the Center for the Arts in Jackson. All are welcome to attend the keynote, which is free and open to the public and does not require registration. The keynote event includes an awards ceremony, keynote presentation by Cristina Cromley Bruner of For250More and moderated by Brot Coburn, and a reception.
Live Streaming
The full day of events will live streamed for free. Please register to access the live stream viewing link, and to learn more about the live stream programming.
Symposium Sponsors
Frances Clark & Bernie McHugh
Interested in sponsoring the event? Sponsorship provides critical support to help offset the cost of registration, which increases access and opportunities for engagement. Sponsorship also serves to promote your business or organization within an active and robust community. To learn more, please read our sponsorship letter, or make a direct donation here. Thank you for your essential support!
Coming into Town?
We have a block of rooms at the Mountain Modern in Jackson under a discounted rate. To book using the discount:
- Call the Mountain Modern directly at 307-733-4340, etx. 1, and mention the Northern Rockies Conservation Symposium room block; or
- Book online using this link (this is not the general Mountain Modern website, but a unique link for the room block).
Questions?
More information about the event is forthcoming and will be made available on this webpage.
If you’d like to be added to our email list for updates, or have any questions, please email cameron@nrccooperative.org.