The climate conversation doesn’t have to feel heavy or out of reach. It starts right here, with us, neighbors learning from neighbors.
Real Talk, Real Neighbors, Real Change
What happens when you put climate-curious neighbors in the same room?
You get thoughtful questions, generous knowledge-sharing, and momentum that keeps growing.
DeCarbon Dialogues have quickly become a trusted space for people who want to learn, connect, and act - together.
The 2026–27 DeCarbon Dialogues Season
Five conversations. Five ways to imagine a more resilient Northern Illinois. Join us for one or all five!
All events: 6:30–8:00 PM | DeKalb Public Library, Yusunas Room | Free and open to everyone
November 4, 2026
What's Coming for Northern Illinois?
Weather, climate, and what our communities should be preparing for
Featuring: Meteorology participants coordinated through Kelvin and Northern Illinois University's meteorology community. Individual speakers to be announced.
What does the science tell us about Northern Illinois in the years ahead? We'll explore changing seasons, extreme weather, heat, heavy rainfall, drought, and what these shifts could mean for our farms, homes, infrastructure, and everyday lives.
Bring your observations and questions. We're starting the season by looking at what's happening right here.
Your House Is a Climate Solution
December 2, 2026 - Comfort, affordability, and home energy savings
Featuring Citizens Utility Board and Metropolitan Mayors Caucus
What can you actually do to make your home more comfortable, efficient, and affordable? And what can someone else help pay for?
Join us for a practical conversation about energy bills, weatherization, home improvements, and programs available to Illinois residents, including the ComEd/Nicor Gas Home Energy Savings Program. Homeowners and renters welcome!
Solar: Fact or Fiction?
January 6, 2027 - What works, what doesn't, and what's more complicated than it seems
Does solar really work in an Illinois winter? What does it cost? What about community solar and farmland?
Bring your questions for a lively, audience-driven conversation about residential, community, and utility-scale solar. We'll sort through common misconceptions, explore the tradeoffs, and look at what solar development means for Northern Illinois.
Can We Farm the Sun?
February 3, 2027 - Agrivoltaics, solar grazing, and the future of working farmland
Featuring Brooke Watson, Solar grazing practitioner and founder, Illinois Agrivoltaics Network, and Chauncey Watson IV, Sixth-generation farmer, Watson Farms
Do we really have to choose between renewable energy and productive farmland?
Brooke and Chauncey are bringing their firsthand experience with solar grazing in Illinois to explore what happens when sheep, agriculture, and solar panels share the same land. We'll look at land use, soil, habitat, farm economics, and what these emerging practices could mean for DeKalb County.
Expect real examples, photographs, and plenty of questions.
Land Stewardship at Home
March 3, 2027 - Permaculture, foraging, and reimagining the land around us
Featuring Specialists from Midwest Permaculture
What if we looked at our yards, gardens, shared spaces, and neighborhoods as living systems with far more potential?
Explore foraging, permaculture, food production, soil building, water management, habitat, and the possibilities hiding in familiar landscapes.
We're planning a hands-on, participatory conversation with real examples and opportunities to imagine improvements to the places around us. Come ready to think beyond your garden fence—and leave with ideas for your next step.
And Then: Earth Fest 2027!
Saturday, April 10, 2027
Five months of conversation lead into our fourth annual DeKalb County Earth Fest, where neighbors, organizations, educators, and community partners come together to celebrate and build a brighter local future.
Come curious. Leave connected. Bring a neighbor.
How you can help:
Spread the word - share on your organization’s newsletter or social channels.
Co-host or sponsor refreshments, print materials, or signage.
Invite your networks - civic groups, classes, businesses, and faith communities.
Collaborate on upcoming dialogues or project pilots.
Reach out for partnership opportunities!
Presented by
DeCarbon DeKalb
Real Talk. Real Neighbors. Real Change.
In partnership with:
Fourth Annual DeKalb County Earth Fest, NIU Sustainability, DeKalb Public Library
Hope is contagious — and so is action.
About DeCarbon Dialogues
DeCarbon Dialogues is a five-part monthly conversation series presented by DeCarbon DeKalb, running November 2026 through March 2027 at the DeKalb Public Library. Each evening brings neighbors together with researchers, practitioners, and local experts to explore practical climate solutions—from changing weather and household energy to solar development, working farmland, and land stewardship. The series builds toward DeKalb County Earth Fest on April 10, 2027.
FAQs
What are the DeCarbon Dialogues?
A five-part monthly series of climate conversations hosted by DeCarbon DeKalb. Each dialogue is a bite-sized, neighborly event where we talk about local solutions — from planting microforests to saving on energy at home — that can make a big difference right here in DeKalb County and beyond.
Who should attend?
Everyone! Students, families, business owners, elected officials, and climate advocates of all experience levels. Whether you’re brand new to the topic or a seasoned expert, you’ll find something useful and inspiring.
Why are you doing this now?
Because climate change is already shaping our lives - and local action matters. Northern Illinois has a huge opportunity to adapt and thrive, but it starts with neighbors learning, laughing, and working together. The Dialogues keep the momentum going in the lead up to our big annual event DeKalb County Earth Fest.
Do I need to know anything about climate science to attend?
Nope. If you can learn, ask a question, or share an idea - you’re ready. We keep things approachable, neighborly, and fun.
Is it really free?
Yes! Thanks to community support and the DeKalb Public Library, all DeCarbon Dialogues are free and open to the public.
How often do these happen?
Once a month, every first Wednesday from November to March. Each month covers a new theme: energy savings, food systems, resilience, and more.
How does this connect to Earth Fest?
DeCarbon Dialogues build community year-round, while Earth Fest is our big annual gathering. Think of the Dialogues as practice runs and pollination for projects that can shine at Earth Fest.
Where can I learn more or get involved?
Email Andy and Kendra at hello@decarbondekalb.com, and follow @DeCarbon_DeKalb for updates.
