01-13-2009, 12:10 PM
COLUMBUS, OH - Wildlife species of many hues will be the subjects of discussion for the 2009 Ohio Wildlife Diversity Conference, scheduled for Wednesday, March 4 at the Aladdin Shrine Center in Columbus. The conference, Wildlife in Full Color, is sponsored by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. It is open to the public.
Keynote speaker this year will be Melinda Huntley, executive director of the Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail with OSU Sea Grant Extension, speaking on the financial and social benefits of wildlife and ecotourism in Ohio. Birding, fishing, boating, and nature watching are all huge generators of tourism dollars for local communities along the lake, one of the state's greatest natural resources.
"Ecotourism is a growing industry that is easy to accommodate and we encourage the two-fold benefit of getting people outside and generating revenue for Ohio," said Kendra Wecker, wildlife diversity coordinator. "Participants can benefit from Melinda's knowledge and apply her insights to stimulating tourism in their communities."
Other conference topics include discussions of the Eastern red bat, honeybee status in Ohio, smooth and rough green snakes, and violets and their value to wildlife.
"We are excited to feature new topics with outstanding speakers and inform our audience about the lesser known intricacies of some vibrantly colored wildlife," said Wecker.
Representatives from a range of conservation and natural resource organizations, including the Black Swamp Bird Observatory, Ohio EPA, 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, 900people 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 25 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.
Keynote speaker this year will be Melinda Huntley, executive director of the Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail with OSU Sea Grant Extension, speaking on the financial and social benefits of wildlife and ecotourism in Ohio. Birding, fishing, boating, and nature watching are all huge generators of tourism dollars for local communities along the lake, one of the state's greatest natural resources.
"Ecotourism is a growing industry that is easy to accommodate and we encourage the two-fold benefit of getting people outside and generating revenue for Ohio," said Kendra Wecker, wildlife diversity coordinator. "Participants can benefit from Melinda's knowledge and apply her insights to stimulating tourism in their communities."
Other conference topics include discussions of the Eastern red bat, honeybee status in Ohio, smooth and rough green snakes, and violets and their value to wildlife.
"We are excited to feature new topics with outstanding speakers and inform our audience about the lesser known intricacies of some vibrantly colored wildlife," said Wecker.
Representatives from a range of conservation and natural resource organizations, including the Black Swamp Bird Observatory, Ohio EPA, 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, 900people 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 25 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.