Register by Feb. 26 for reduced rate
COLUMBUS, OH — Making connections between wildlife and people will be the subject of discussion at the 2011 Ohio Wildlife Diversity Conference, scheduled for Wednesday, March 9 at the Aladdin Shrine Center in Columbus. The conference, “Connecting Wildlife, Habitat and People,” is sponsored by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife. It is open to the public.
The keynote speaker this year, Mark Damian Duda, executive director of Responsive Management, will speak on “The Identification, Life History and Habitat Requirements of the Wildlife Viewer.”
"As wildlife managers, a huge component of our jobs is understanding the needs of the people who enjoy wildlife, and providing opportunities for them to use this resource whether it’s through bird watching, nature photography or on a more consumptive level with hunting and fishing," said Kendra Wecker, wildlife diversity coordinator. “We want to tie in these three important aspects needed for a positive wildlife experience.”
Other conference topics include discussions of sandhill cranes, softshell turtles, riparian corridor protection, how to attract people to birding, conservation genetics, and freshwater mussel and hellbender health assessments.
The second Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp, which features the amber-winged dragonfly, will be available to conference attendees. Proceeds from the sale of the stamp will be used to support:
- endangered and threatened native species;
- habitat restoration, land purchases and conservation easements; and
- educational products for students and wildlife enthusiasts.
Anyone who pre-registers online for the conference may purchase this collectable stamp at a discounted price of $12 – a 20 percent savings. Details about the Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp can be found at wildohiostamp.com.
Representatives from a range of conservation and natural resource organizations, such as the Black Swamp Bird Observatory, Columbus Audubon and Ohio Biological Survey, will present displays and be available to answer questions.
The Wildlife Diversity Conference has steadily grown in popularity. The first conference, held in 1985, drew 40 people. Last year, 942 people attended the day-long gathering.
For more information or to register for the conference online, go to http://bit.ly/WildlifeDiversityConference or call 1-800-WILDLIFE. The registration fee prior to Feb. 26 is $25. After that date, the fee is $35.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com.
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