Ohio wildlife meeting set for March 19

Columbus — Learn about flying squirrels, wild turkeys, barn owls, dragonflies, and more during the 41st Ohio Wildlife Diversity Conference on Wednesday, March 19, according to the Ohio DNR (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

The conference, themed “Pass the Torch,” will be held at the Ohio State University’s Ohio Union in Columbus. Registration is now open.

The Ohio Wildlife Diversity Conference annually welcomes wildlife researchers, students, educators, and enthusiasts to celebrate the state’s lesser-known wildlife species. The popular event draws hundreds of guests to listen to presentations from experts and network with wildlife professionals.

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Presentations

This year’s wildlife conference will feature a keynote presentation from Dr. Dave McShaffrey of Marietta College titled “The Odonata of Ohio: A Labor of Love by 4,000 Buckeye Community Scientists.”

Dr. McShaffrey coauthored A Naturalist’s Guide to the Odonata of Ohio, published by the Ohio Biological Survey with support from the ODNR Division of Wildlife. Odonata is the order of flying insects that includes dragonflies and damselflies.

Additional presentations include:

From Flickers to Fire Throats:

Rekindling Ohio’s Lake Erie Birding Trail Program, by Jamey Emmert.

The Fascinating Southern Flying Squirrel, by Dr. Don Althoff.

Building on a Legacy: Wild Turkey Research in Ohio, by Mark Wiley.

The event will be held on Wednesday, March 19, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Doors open at 8 a.m.

Address: Ohio Union, 1739 North High Street, Columbus. The conference, check-in, and on-site registration are on the second floor of the Ohio Union.

Preregistration is recommended and can be completed at wildohio.gov or by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE (945-3543).