Celebrate a bright future at the 40th Ohio Wildlife Diversity Conference
Join the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife on Thursday, March 14 for the 40th annual Ohio Wildlife Diversity Conference. The conference, titled, “Building Towards a Better Future,” will be held at the Ohio Union on The Ohio State University’s campus in Columbus. Registration is now open.
“We are excited for researchers, professionals, educators, students and enthusiasts to gather for the annual Ohio Wildlife Diversity Conference,” ODNR Division of Wildlife Chief Kendra Wecker said. “This year’s event will be extra special as we celebrate milestones for the 40th conference and 50 years of endangered species conservation in Ohio.”
This year’s wildlife diversity conference will feature Dr. Mike Kreger and Doug Warmolts from the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and their presentation, “Mussels to Massasaugas: 35 Years of Partnerships to Save Ohio’s Wildlife.” This dynamic duo will highlight conservation partnerships that are helping to save Ohio’s endangered wildlife, such as the American burying beetle, eastern plains garter snake and the eastern hellbender. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s long conservation history includes decades of work to restore Ohio’s bald eagle population through fostering and hacking programs.
Additional presentations include:
• Project WILD: A 40-Year Blueprint to the Future, by Jen Dennison
• Build it and They Will Come: 10 Years of Success for the Wild Toledo Program, by Dr. Ryan Walsh
• Paving the Way in Paradise: The Role of Fall Flights and Southern Wings Programs in Avian Conservation, by Mike Reynolds, Deb Hahn and Bradley Wilkinson
• Habitat Management on Private Lands: Advancements and Opportunities, by John Kaiser
• Building Mothopolis: Bolstering Biodiversity in Your Own Backyard, by Chelsea Gottfried
• Pass Me the Hammer, I Already Have the Saw: Northern Saw-whet Owl, by Tom Bartlett
• Constructing Conservation Cameras: AHDriFT Camera Trap Success and Potential, by Greg Lipps.
The event will be held Thursday, March 14, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Ohio Union, 1739 North High Street, Columbus 43210. The conference, check-in and on-site registration are on the second floor of the Ohio Union.
Doors open at 8 a.m.
Conference attendees should park in the Ohio Union South Parking Garage (1759 North High Street) for $10 (credit card only).
Preregistration is recommended and can be completed at wildohio.gov or by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE (945-3543). Registration is available at the following rates:
• Discounted rate (register by Thursday, Feb. 29): $30.
• A box lunch is available for $18 for those who pre-register by Wednesday, Feb. 28.
• Rate after Thursday, Feb. 29, and at the door: $40.
• Student rate: $10.
For more information or to register, go to: https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/education-training/wildlife-dive….
Conference attendees who preregister may also purchase the 2024 Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp featuring a cedar waxwing for $12, a 20-percent discount, and will receive their stamp and pin at the conference. Stamps and pins will also be available for purchase at the conference for the regular price of $15. All of the stamp's proceeds go to wildlife conservation, with most benefiting species of greatest conservation need through the Wildlife Diversity Fund. New this year, $1 of every stamp sold will go to the Southern Wings program, which protects the overwintering habitats of Neotropical migratory birds that pass through Ohio. Learn more at wildohio.gov.
Wild Ohio magazine will be available for purchase at the conference. A one-year subscription (six issues, one is a calendar) features Ohio’s amazing wildlife. An updated Warblers of Ohio field guide will be provided to each attendee. The new version highlights photos of both male and female birds of each species to aid in identification, as well as updated distribution maps. Changes include an Ohio-specific range map and seasonal abundance charts.
Follow the Division of Wildlife on Facebook and Instagram for instant news stories, outdoor recreation ideas, local wildlife information, incredible wildlife photography and so much more. Visit wildohio.gov to find locations to hunt, fish, trap and view wildlife. And don’t forget about the HuntFish OH mobile app, available for Android and iOS users through the app store. Users can view wildlife area maps through the app, as well as purchase licenses and permits.
The mission of the Division of Wildlife is to conserve and improve fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all. Visit wildohio.gov to find out more.
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.
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