It’s no secret that the conservation community is facing an extraordinary moment in history. A torrent of changes is making us rethink our expectations, our strategy, and even the basic assumptions that underlie our work.
In this moment, it is more important than ever for the parks community to come together to share insights, successes, problems, and experiences. To focus on finding and delivering solutions. To gather with colleagues who share a passion for stewardship—and are determined to work harder than ever to protect our natural and cultural heritage.
Does this sound like you? If so, please plan to join us at GWS ParkForum 2026, the US’s leading workshop on parks, protected/conserved areas, cultural sites, and other forms of place-based conservation. Now through April 15, we are accepting proposals in a variety of formats to allow you to share your achievements, your challenges, and your solutions. Read the Call for Proposals for complete information about the workshop format and how you can submit a proposal.
It's time to meet the moment.
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About the GWS ParkForum Workshop Series
GWS ParkForum is the leading interdisciplinary meeting on parks, protected/conserved areas, cultural sites, and other forms of place-based conservation
In 2025, the George Wright Society launched the GWS ParkForum — a series of annual interdisciplinary workshops that share innovations and tested solutions to the challenges facing parks, protected/conserved areas, cultural sites, and other forms of place-based conservation.
The GWS ParkForum series picks up on — and re-imagines — the George Wright Society’s tradition of convening excellence, anchored by the GWS Biennial Conferences, which were offered from 1982 to 2017.
What can you expect when you attend GWS ParkForum?
New approaches ...
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A format focused on delivering actionable information that you can use right away in your work/studies
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Core Workshop Sessions organized around four recurring general themes each year (click the Call for Proposals button above for more info)
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Supplemental Information-Sharing Sessions
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Attendance targets that facilitate the participation of a variety of attendees and provide even better opportunities for meaningful networking
... and enduring GWS hallmarks
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Our interdisciplinary focus: we cover all aspects of natural and cultural heritage stewardship, and encourage you to meet and learn from people outside of your area of primary interest
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The GWS’s collegial meeting vibe: everyone welcome, all viewpoints respected, as we challenge one another to expand our horizons in a friendly, supportive atmosphere
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The opportunity for you to propose presentations on topics that interest you most
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Impactful Plenary Sessions that engage your imagination
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Affinity Meetings, Special Events, Field Trips
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International scope: we advance place-based conservation around the globe
What will I take away?
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A better understanding of the current state of play in parks, protected/conserved areas, cultural sites, and other forms of place-based conservation
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A firmer grasp of the challenges related to climate change, nature/culture interactions, social and environmental justice, and economic values
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Actionable solutions to aspects of the above challenges
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New contacts and potential collaborations
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Renewed energy to take positive action and carry out the solutions you'll learn about
What else can I expect?
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Time set aside to network
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A chance to share my work with others
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Connect with colleagues old and new
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Camaraderie ... togetherness ... a positive experience!
We aim to make the GWS ParkForum experience as affordable as we can ... and minimize our carbon footprint by being as zero-waste as possible.