Washburn to Host the 2026 Box Turtle Conservation Symposium

     Topeka, Kan. – Washburn University Biology Department will welcome the North American Box Turtle Conservation Committee and attendees to the University Oct. 23-25 for the 2026 Box Turtle Conservation Symposium. This triennial workshop brings together researchers, field biologists, students, agency partners and dedicated conservationists committed to the study and protection of North America's box turtles. You can find more details and the symposium schedule here.

     The itinerary includes an opening reception and social at the Topeka Zoo and Conversation Center and Dr. Neil Bernstein will give the keynote address. Bernstein spent 36 years at Mounty Mercy College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, as a professor of biology and department chair before retiring as professor emeritus in May 2018. He continued to lead field-based environmental science and ecology courses part-time at the University of Iowa and the Iowa Lakeside Laboratory. Bernstein’s long-standing contributions to Ornate Box Turtle (Terrapene ornata) ecology and conservation have helped shape understanding of this iconic Western species.

     “Symposiums like this bring together like-minded people to collaborate on the science and conservation efforts,” said Dr. Benjamin Reed, associate professor, Washburn University Biology Department. “Box turtles are actually a really important component of an ecosystem. They can live 35 to 50 years, some up to 100. We want to ensure we are doing the right practices that help their populations, maintaining this iconic species in the Midwest and in other parts of North America.”

     Reed is coordinating the symposium on behalf of the biology department and Washburn University. Reed is Washburn University’s residential box turtle authority, leading field research at various local field sites and engaging with other related research, like collaborating on a Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina) project with the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in 2026.

     “Environmental biology is not just learned in a classroom, it’s lab and field-based” said Dr. Kelly Erby, dean of the Washburn University College of Arts & Sciences. “At Washburn, our biology department ensures students graduate with the experience, technical skills and knowledge they need to begin and sustain a successful career. Experiences like conferences or symposiums with other experts and those with great interest in the field enhance that for students and faculty members by providing different learning opportunities. We’re glad the 2026 North American Box Turtle Conservation Symposium Committee selected Washburn to host their symposium. Ben Reed and his team of student researchers are establishing Washburn as an important contributor in the field of herpetology.”

North American Box Turtle Conversation Committee

      The North American Box Turtle Conservation Committee promotes research and education which contributes to the health and survival of wild box turtle populations. To support this goal, the committee funds the Lucille Stickel Research Award and sponsors box turtle conservation workshops. The committee is comprised of educators and conservationists from across the United States.

- 30 -