Illinois State Director of The Nature Conservancy, Michelle Carr, will speak about her efforts to advance critical conservation issues across the state. In particular, Carr emphasizes how leadership strategies work to bridge the perceived gaps between conservation science and economic decision-making in Illinois. She will discuss how our local land and water conservation practices in Central Illinois contribute to global solutions for some of the most pressing environmental problems today. Her inspirational message will enhance our awareness of how students and citizens can get involved in local projects, and will stress the key importance of Illinois conservation and restoration projects as global models for understanding social & environmental resilience in cities, farmlands, artificial waterways, and other built environments. Michelle Carr is the Illinois State Director of The Nature Conservancy. She leads strategic efforts to advance critical conservation issues across the state, and works to bridge gaps between conservation and economic decision-making.