Next installment of Sierra Club monthly speaker series is May 12

What turns someone into a conservationist?

For Dr. Katie Dudley, it wasn’t memorizing scientific names. It was working in national parks as a whitewater raft guide and discovering that connection often begins with simply being outside.

This upcoming Sierra Club monthly speaker series talk will explore how outdoor recreation can serve as a gateway to lasting environmental commitment and how communities can create broader, more inclusive pathways into stewardship.

The presentation and conversation will further examine the role recreation plays not only in protecting land and water, but also in supporting local economies, strengthening a conservation workforce, and contributing to long-term community resilience.

Featured speaker Dr. Katie Dudley is a Community and Economic Development specialist with University of Illinois Extension, where she focuses on rural tourism, outdoor recreation and workforce development.

The public is welcome to join in this free discussion taking place on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Old Bakery Beer Company in Alton, Ill. (400 Landmarks Blvd.)

Organizers suggest arriving early at 5:30 p.m. to enjoy your purchased meal and beverage while socializing with Sierra Club members and other environmentalists.

Contact Chris Krusa at (410) 490-5024 with any questions about this event.

Photo courtesy of Sierra Club.