COLUMBUS, Ohio — 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 Department of Natural Resources (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.
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
- Through Peaks and Pastures: How Landscape Features Shape the Genetic Structure of the North American Barn Owl, by Allison Williams
- Integrating Human Dimension Strategies for the Next Generation of Conservation Success, by Dr. Bennett Grooms
- Cryptic Concern: A Collaborative Survey of Cryptosporidium serpentis in Snakes of Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area, by Dr. Kat Krynak
- State Wildlife Action Plan and Wildlife Diversity Database Updates, by Erin Hazelton and Stormy Gibson
Event Date, Time, Address, and Parking
- Date and time: 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, OH 43210. The conference, check-in, and on-site registration are on the second floor of the Ohio Union.
- Parking: Conference attendees should park in the Ohio Union South Parking Garage (1759 North High Street) for $10 (credit card only).
Registration
Preregistration is recommended and can be completed at wildohio.gov or by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE (945-3543). Registration is available at the following rates:
- Discounted rate (register by Saturday, March 1): $35.
- A box lunch is available for $18 for those who preregister by Saturday, March 1.
- Rate after Thursday, Feb. 29, and at the door: $50.
- Student rate: $15.
Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp and Pin
Conference attendees who preregister may also purchase the 2025 Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp featuring a hummingbird clearwing moth for $12, a 20% discount, and will receive their stamp and pin at the conference. Stamps and pins will also be available for purchase at the conference for the regular price of $15. All of the stamp's proceeds go to wildlife conservation, with most benefiting species of greatest conservation need through the Wildlife Diversity Fund. One dollar of every stamp sold will go to the Southern Wings program, which protects the overwintering habitats of Neotropical migratory birds that pass through Ohio. Learn more at wildohio.gov.
Wildlife Publications
Wild Ohio magazine will be available for purchase at the conference. A one-year subscription (six issues, one is a calendar) features Ohio’s amazing wildlife. In addition, the new Small Trees and Shrubs of Ohio field guide will be provided to each attendee. The latest in the Division of Wildlife’s series of free field guides showcases the small trees, shrubs, and brambles that support our native wildlife. The field guide includes information on the leaf, buds, bark, flowers, fruit, size, and shape of each species, as well as identifying photos.
The mission of the Division of Wildlife is to conserve and improve fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all. Visit wildohio.gov to find out more.
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.
Editors Note: High Resolution Photo
