A conference for friends of Minnesota's natural resources
A conference for friends of Minnesota's natural resources
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Hosted by Extension Natural Resource volunteer programs and the Bell Museum
Hosted by Extension Natural Resource volunteer programs and the Bell Museum
Registration is now closed.
Registration is now closed.
Please join us for the 2026 Gathering Partners conference, held on the beautiful campus of Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN!
May 15-17, 2026
Our theme this year centers on "Naturalist Skills" and we have planned a schedule brimming with sessions, speakers, outings and activities that will help you fill your proverbial field bag with skills you can use while exploring, teaching and conserving the natural resources of our state and beyond.
Visit the Sessions Schedule pages to view the abundance of options for indoor and outdoor presentations, field trips and activities to select your preferences.
Visit the Sessions Schedule pages to view the abundance of options for indoor and outdoor presentations, field trips and activities to select your preferences.
Who should attend: Any adult interested in learning about nature and connecting with others who share this interest should plan to attend the conference. If you are a Minnesota Master Naturalist, Aquatic Invasive Species Detector, Woodland Steward, Pollinator Ambassador, participatory scientist, birder, angler, hunter, property owner/manager, outdoor explorer, or appreciator of nature in any way, you will find plenty to enjoy at this multi-faceted event.
We look forward to seeing you in St. Peter!
Conference Schedule Overview
Conference Schedule Overview
Friday, May 15
Friday, May 15
12:30 p.m. Field Trips meet in Registration area / Jackson Campus Center
1:00-5:00 p.m. Exhibitor/Vendor Set up
6:00 p.m. Dinner, Welcome (Alumni Hall, Level 2)
7:00 p.m. Keynote: Fostering Attentiveness: The heart of Naturalist Practices, Joe Walewski (Alumni Hall, Level 2)
Saturday, May 16
Saturday, May 16
7:00 a.m. Early morning bird walk
9:15-10:15a.m. Concurrent Sessions
10:15-10:45 a.m. BREAK
10:45-11:45 a.m. Concurrent Sessions
12:00 pm Lunch (Alumni Hall, Level 2)
1:00-2:30 p.m. Concurrent Sessions
2:30-3:00 p.m. BREAK
3:00-4:30 p.m. Concurrent Sessions
4:30-6:00 p.m. Exhibitor Reception (Level 1 Hallway)
6:00 p.m. Dinner (Alumni Hall, Level 2)
7:30-10:00 p.m. Evening Activities
Sunday, May 17
Sunday, May 17
7:00 a.m. Early morning bird walk
9:00-10:00 a.m. Concurrent Sessions
10:00-10:30 a.m. BREAK
10:30-12:00 p.m. Concurrent Sessions
12:00 p.m. Lunch, Award Ceremony, Conference Wrap-up (Alumni Hall, Level 2)
1:00 p.m. Silent Auction check out (Alumni Hall, Level 2), Store closes (Konferensrum, Level 1)
Gathering Partners: A conference for friends of Minnesota's natural resources is brought to you by:
Contact Gathering Partners for general conference questions.
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