Event Type: Meeting
Speaker: Arthur Pearson
Date: Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Location: Frankfort Public Library - ‍Meeting Room A
Address: 21119 S Pfeiffer Rd. Frankfort, Il (map)

This year marks the 75th anniversary of The Nature Conservancy. Arthur Pearson’s "Force of Nature" chronicles the life and work of George Fell, the driving force behind the founding of TNC - now the largest conservation organization in the world - and the Illinois Natural Areas Commission, which served as the model for nearly every other state in the nation to establish its own system for protecting its natural heritage.

Arthur will offer insights into this conservation journey and highlight the preserves in our area that benefitted, including Helmick, Zander Woods, several other south suburban preserves, and Midewin.

Arthur has spent an eclectic career at the intersection of art and nature. As the CEO of the Roger Tory Peterson Institute. As Chicago Program Director for the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation. As a professional actor and volunteer conservationist. As the author of an award-winning biography of George Fell, founder of The Nature Conservancy and the Natural Areas Movement.

He is currently at work on a history of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie and a YA novel entitled, "The Fall of a Sparrow." You may follow his work at arthurmelvillepearson.com and @lumennature.

Everyone is welcome to attend this program!