Approximately 350 Chicagoland teens were introduced to exciting careers in wildlife and nature at the third annual Teen Conservation Leadership Conference, presented by the Chicago Zoological Society, in partnership with Lincoln Park Zoo and John G. Shedd Aquarium. The conference took place over three days from July 30 to August 1. The first two days took place at Dominican University in River Forest, and the last day featured a Conservation Action Day that allowed participants the option to take part in a volunteer project at two Chicago Park District locations—Montrose Bird Sanctuary and Columbus Park Natural Area. Opportunities included teens putting their conservation passion to work by pulling invasive plant species, collecting and dispersing seeds, and performing trail maintenance and litter clean-up. The event was hosted by the Chicago Zoological Society’s King Conservation Science Scholars Program, an innovative program that provides Chicago area students from diverse backgrounds with opportunities to learn about animals and conservation and prepare for their futures while making a difference in their communities.

Photo Credit: Lisa Miller/Chicago Zoological Society