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 at the Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center
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
Radio telemetry Workshop
Can you find the sneaky turtles? Learn the basics of radio telemetry using analog and digital receivers at the Topeka Zoo and/or on Washburn University campus grounds. This will be an outdoor activity.
PicTur WebApp Workshop
In this workshop we will demonstrate the PicTur WebApp and help you set up your own populations of study. The PicTur WebApp uses pattern recognition software to identify individual turtles based on plastron and/or carapace patterning. If you'd like help setting up your study population within the App please bring a collection of carapace and/or plastron photos to the workshop to use. The WebApp has a community side as well, so anyone can find a turtle and contribute to a global dataset! This workshop will be indoors.
Turtle Health Master Class
Hosted by Dr. Matt Allender, the foremost expert in box turtle disease ecology. This class will be indoors.
Turtle Ultrasonography Workshop
Learn from current and future veterinarian's from the Washburn Turtle Team on how to successfully document follicular development and egg-bearing status in turtles using a field portable ultrasound. This demonstration will be indoors and have some hands-on opportunities.
Sunday Morning Field Trip
Optional field trip to explore the native habitat of the Ornate Box Turtle. Given the time of year, turtles may be underground as they begin preparing for brumation. Transportation details will be determined later. Be prepared to hike in uneven terrain throughout a native tall-grass prairie. You will be required to wear some sort of sturdy hiking shoe or boot and long-pants. The site will be about 25 minutes from Washburn University campus, and transportation details will be ironed out closer to the event.
More potential workshops to come!
Register and save your spot for the conservation symposium!
Registration includes workshop attendance, breakfast and lunch on Oct. 24 and 25 and entrance to the Topeka Zoo. Dinners are not included.
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
