PEOPLE AND NATURE SYMPOSIUM

We are excited to announce a new symposium dedicated to conservation social science in Florida! People and Nature: A symposium on conservation social science will bring together researchers across the state to showcase the variety of social science work happening in the region and foster new connections and partnerships to build a better future for people and nature.

Vision

Our goal is to bring together researchers throughout the region to connect and share ideas to better navigate the future of Florida’s natural resources together by:

• Creating meaningful and lasting connections with social scientists across Florida’s diverse ecosystems;
• Pushing and expanding boundaries of social science research by exploring new ideas and perspectives;
• Inspiring participants to develop innovative solutions to modern conservation challenges in our region;
• Catalyzing actionable outcomes that can lead to positive on-ground impacts for people and nature.

Program

We are currently curating an exciting program for attendees. The complete program will be announced in November, but attendees can expect the following activities:

• Short presentations from attendees to highlight the diversity of conservation social science happening in our region;
• Workshops focused on networking, skill-building, and collaborative problem-solving;
• Social events to foster new relationships, collaborations, and have a bit of fun.

To help tailor the program to attendees’ interests, those wishing to submit an abstract will have the opportunity to vote for their preferred workshops. More details on workshop options will be available soon.

If you’d like to receive email updates about the symposium, including the final program agenda, call for abstracts, and deadline reminders, sign up to the People and Nature Symposium email list.

Date and Location

The symposium will span 1.5 days from February 10-11, 2026 at the UF/IFAS Austin Cary Forest Campus in Gainesville, Florida. Attendees will need to arrange their own lodging and transportation; however, a limited number of carpool services will be offered to transport participants between the Austin Cary campus and select nearby hotels. You can indicate your desire to participate in these carpool services when you register. Priority will be given to those traveling to the symposium by plane.

Space is limited to 100 participants. Registration will be open on a first come, first served basis. Once capacity is reached, prospective attendees can join a waitlist to be notified if space becomes available before the registration deadline.

Contact

The People and Nature Symposium is organized by a passionate group of volunteers from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Tampa Bay Estuary Program (TBEP), and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

If you would like to reach out to the organizing committee with questions, or if you are interested in co-sponsoring this event, please contact:

Blake Simmons, Communications and Contact Officer,