COLUMBUS, OH -- Ohio's leading bird experts will gather in Columbus on August 3 for the Ohio Avian Ecology and Conservation Conference. The conference will mark the first time Ohio's top bird experts have assembled at one event to discuss bird conservation, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
Presentations at the conference are geared toward conservation professionals, scientists, researchers, naturalists and more serious birders.
"This is an important and timely gathering of Ohio's bird conservation and ecology experts as we move into the Twenty-first Century," said Scott Hull, ODNR wildlife biologist and co-chair of the conference organizing committee. "Avid bird watchers will be able to learn about the latest conservation programs for their favorite birds."
The main session will feature more than 15 presentations on a variety of topics including the North American Bird Conservation Initiative, Audubon Ohio's Important Bird Area Program, and bald eagle habitat selection. There will also be a poster and display area with bird-related vendors.
The conference will be held at the Fawcett Center, located on The Ohio State University campus at 2400 Olentangy River Road.Cost of the conference is $25 per person. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. and walk-ins are welcome. Presentations will begin at 9 a.m. and run through 5:15 p.m. An evening social event, including food and beverage, will run from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The social event is designed to allow participants an opportunity to meet the speakers and network with other individuals who are interested in bird conservation and ecology.
The conference is co-sponsored by ODNR, Ohio Chapter of The Wildlife Society, Ohio Working Group of Partners in Flight, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, American Electric Power, Audubon Ohio, the Black Swamp Bird Observatory, the Cincinnati Zoo, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Columbus and Franklin County Metroparks, Columbus Zoological Park Association, The Nature Conservancy, Ohio Audubon Council, Ohio Fish and Wildlife Management Association, The Ohio State University School of Natural Resources, Pheasants Forever, Ohio Bluebird Society, and the Ohio Bird Banding Association.