ODNR News Releases - 1/15/08 - Wildlife Diversity Conference Set for March 12 In Columbus


1/15/08 - Wildlife Diversity Conference Set for March 12 In Columbus Jan 15 Written by: news editor 1/15/2008 12:00 AM An array of dark-colored wildlife species and creatures that operate primarily at night will be center stage for the 2008 Ohio Wildlife Diversity Conference, scheduled for Wednesday, March 12 at the Aladdin Shrine Center in Columbus. The conference, "Back in Black," is sponsored by the ODNR Division of Wildlife. It is open to the public. "BACK IN BLACK" IS THEME OF 2008 WILDLIFE DIVERSITY CONFERENCE, SET FOR MARCH 12 IN COLUMBUS Those who register before February 27 receive a $10 discount Register Online COLUMBUS, OH - An array of dark-colored wildlife species and creatures that operate primarily at night will be center stage for the 2008 Ohio Wildlife Diversity Conference, scheduled for Wednesday, March 12 at the Aladdin Shrine Center in Columbus. The conference, "Back in Black," is sponsored by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. It is open to the public. David Wagner, Ph.D, will be the keynote presenter, speaking on the topic Under Cover of Darkness: The Secret World of Ohio's Caterpillars. Dr. Wagner is the author of six books, including Caterpillars of Eastern North America: A Guide to Identification and Natural History. He is a graduate of Colorado State University and the University of California, Berkeley. "Our diversity conference agenda is the result of an interactive process," said Kendra Wecker, ODNR wildlife diversity coordinator. "We have tried to focus on bringing presentations that attendees have requested, along with the very latest in exciting and new information on wildlife species. Dr. Wagner's discussion of the secret lives of caterpillars is a good example of this effort." Other conference topics include: the status of black bears in Ohio, the behavior of Blanding's turtle, and an update on the Lake Erie water snake. Representatives from a range of conservation and natural resource organizations, including the Ohio Bluebird Society, several county metro park districts, and the Ohio Biological Survey, will present displays and be available to answer questions. The Wildlife Diversity Conference has steadily grown in popularity over the last 22 years. The first conference, held in 1985, drew 40 people. Last year, 907people attended the day-long gathering. For more information or to register for the conference online, go to wildohio.com or call 1-800-WILDLIFE. The registration fee prior to February 27 is $20. After that date, the fee is $30. -30- For Additional Information Contact: Kendra Wecker, ODNR Division of Wildlife (614) 265-6300 -or- Vicki Ervin, ODNR Division of Wildlife (614) 265-6325 Trackback Print Location: Blogs ODNR NEWS Wildlife Tags: