About the 2026 Box Turtle Conservation Symposium
Join us for three days of science, collaboration and conservation
Washburn University is pleased to be the host of the 2026 Box Turtle Conservation Symposium on October 23–25, 2026 in Topeka, Kansas.
Hosted by the North American Box Turtle Conservation Committee (NABTCC), 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.
Call for papers
Abstracts for this year's symposium are due no later than August 31, 2026. Please submit your abstract early; not only does this help with workshop planning but we may receive more requests for presentations than we are able to accommodate.
Keynote speaker: Neil Bernstein, Ph.D.
The 2026 Box Turtle Conservation Symposium will feature a keynote address by Neil Bernstein, Ph.D., whose long-standing contributions to Ornate Box Turtle (Terrapene ornata) ecology and conservation have helped shape our understanding of this iconic Western species.
All workshops will be held on Washburn University's campus with an opening reception taking place at the Topeka Zoo and Conservation Event Center.
Tentative schedule
Friday, October 23
- 2 p.m. Workshops
- 5 p.m. Opening reception and social
Saturday, October 24
- 7 a.m. Breakfast
- 9 a.m. Oral presentations
- 11 a.m. Workshop #4
- Noon Lunch
- 1 p.m. Poster presentations
- 4 p.m. Keynote presenation by Dr. Neil Bernstein
- 5 p.m. Group photo before heading to dinner
- 6 p.m. Social at local brewery
Sunday, October 25
- 7 a.m. Breakfast
- 9 a.m. Oral presentations
- 11 a.m. Field trip
- 2 p.m. Farewells
- 4 p.m. Community outreach event
Register and save your spot for the conservation workshop!
Register before October 9, 2026 and save 50%! General registration before the priority deadline is $100 and $50 for students. After October 9 the prices will increase to $150 and $75.
Conference hotel in Topeka
A block of rooms at Hotel Topeka at City Center has been reserved for conference attendees. Rooms are $99 per night and must be booked by October 7, 2026.
Questions?
NABTCC
