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Sponsors & Exhibitors | Accommodations | Silent Auction 2010 Programs & Panels Wednesday, November 10, 2010 Indoor Workshops Bats: A Natural History and Management Overview
Despite many misconceptions, bats are a unique group of mammals that play a vital role in maintaining natural ecosystems. Insect-eating bats are a major predator of night-flying insects, such as mosquitoes as well as some agricultural pests which lower the risk of insect-borne diseases and reduce the need for pesticides. Fruit-eating bats are important in seed dispersal of both wild and agricultural plants. Many of the bat species in North America are threatened or are in rapid decline. Pesticide use, habitat destruction, and disturbance of colonies during hibernation and breeding periods are among the biggest threats to these populations. This workshop will review bat natural history and the valuable ecosystem services provided by bats. Jason Corbett, Conservation Biologist with Bat Conservation International, will discuss tips and strategies on how to encourage bats onto a property while managing bat-human interactions. This workshop will also set the foundation for how to inventory and monitor bat populations and will provide recommendations for how to include bat projects into a Wildlife at Work program. Citizen Science – Small Steps, Big Picture
Actively monitoring your wildlife habitat can both enhance your application and improve your wildlife management program. This workshop will allow participants to gain awareness and learn how to be part of a variety of projects that improve our understanding of a variety of species. From tagging butterflies to identifying bird nests and frog calls, discover the world of “Citizen Science” projects and learn how contributing data to these projects helps scientist better understand the species that live in your wildlife habitat. Find out how you can strengthen your Wildlife at Work and Corporate Lands for Learning applications by participating in these fun yet important projects! Climate Change and Wildlife Habitat Adaptation: Building Resilience into Natural Ecosystems
Climate change, consisting of temperature increases, changes in precipitation rates, increased storm severity, sea-level rise, and other changes is stressing natural systems throughout the world resulting in species extinctions and degraded natural systems. These are the same natural systems that provide clean water and air, recreation opportunities, forest products, pharmaceuticals, and other products and services; these are the natural systems we depend upon everyday. Managing our ecosystems for resilience to stresses caused by climate change is necessary to maintain functioning ecosystems. On-the-ground, science-based projects from small scale shoreline restoration to large scale forest stand management projects can be done within the Wildlife at Work program to create resilient natural systems that can adapt to the stresses caused by climate change. The workshop will be divided into 3 parts, each focusing on a specific topic. The topics of the workshop are Site Assessment, Local Climate Change Models, and Setting Management Priorities. During the workshop participants will have an opportunity to ask questions and discuss specific concerns. Meet experts in the field of climate change adaptations and learn how to manage your habitat while dealing with future uncertainties. Pre-registrants will receive brief reading materials via email prior to the workshop. Prescribed Burns: Maintaining Biodiversity in Fire-adapted Ecosystems
This workshop will increase participants’ understanding of the role of fire in various ecosystems and the reasoning behind conducting prescribed burns. The speaker will review the importance of fire in certain habitats and the need for prescribed burns, as well as general requirements to plan and implement a burn. Participants will learn what to expect after a prescribed burn and how to develop a post-burn monitoring plan. Representatives from Wildlife at Work programs involving prescribed burns will briefly describe their experiences with this management tool. Attendees will divide into small groups according to the habitat they are looking to manage. The Wildlife at Work program representatives will participate in the small group discussions to answer questions and assist with the development of a simple burn plan. Outdoor Field Trips Connecting to Nature
In today’s high-tech world, it’s easy to go through day to day life envisioning the human experience as something entirely separate from nature. Yet study after study indicates that separating ourselves from the rest of the natural world has serious consequences. As our contact with the outdoors decreases, our stress levels and susceptibility to disease increase. At the same time, we lose our motivation to protect natural resources and biodiversity, which is bad news for every living thing on earth. But how do we regain connection with the rest of the natural world, especially if we don’t live or work near a park or nature center? In this session, participants will undertake activities designed to foster connection to the natural world through art, science, music, math, reading and writing by playing to each individual’s interests and strengths. Rather than going out of the city to “find” nature, we will seek out biodiversity in the immediate surroundings of the conference facility. Participants will explore channels for finding a personal connection with nature through a discipline that engages them and also gain ideas for interdisciplinary activities that can be done on any site to help learners of all ages and abilities connect with nature. Jennifer Tabola, Senior Director of Education for the National Environmental Education Foundation, will join the Wildlife Habitat Council Conservation Education & Outreach Department staff in facilitating this session. Thelma Redick, Council Director of Conservation Education & Outreach, and Ms. Tabola will lead participants in a reflective discussion following the activities. Urban Restoration Wildlife Photography with Lynda Richardson
Award-winning wildlife photographer, Lynda Richardson, will lead an excursion to nearby Loch Raven Reservoir to learn about photographing wildlife subjects, using proper camera equipment and learning artistic elements involved, such as composition and lighting. Walk the trails, where you will spot a variety of plant and animal life, including some rare species. Be the early bird, take in the sights and learn how to capture it all on film. Don’t forget to bring your camera! Opening Session Keynote speaker Andrew Winston, founder of Winston Eco-Strategies, is the author of Green Recovery and the co-author of Green to Gold. Winston is a globally recognized expert on green business, and has appeared in major media. He is dedicated to helping companies both large and small use environmental strategy to grow, create enduring value, and build stronger relationships with employees, customers, and other stakeholders. Winston received his BA in Economics from Princeton, an MBA from Columbia, and a Masters of Environmental Management from Yale. Conservation Education Event Join Nate Erwin, curator of the O. Orkin Insect Zoo at the world renowned Smithsonian Institution, for an encounter with fascinating members of the insect world. Although small in size, these creatures play critical roles in the support of our ecosystems. Nate will also share some helpful tips on sharing the wonders of nature with audiences of all ages. Thursday, November 11, 2010 Sessions Track 1: How to Compile a Successful Wildlife at Work Application
The panel will focus on strategies to compile a successful Wildlife at Work application. The Wildlife Habitat Council’s Certification Manager will discuss the characteristics of a strong Wildlife at Work application and the criteria used to determine whether a program can be certified. Wildlife at Work program participants will speak about how they organize and manage their wildlife team, projects, and how they complete an excellent certification application. These speakers will offer insight and tips on how you can improve your Wildlife at Work program, wildlife management plan, and certification application.
Changing the Corporate Landscape Aesthetic
Increasingly, our ideal of a beautiful, acceptable landscape is evolving beyond the standard, mono-culture of turf grass, to options that include native plant species, pollinator-friendly areas and wildlife-attracting gardens. Learn how a truly "green" campus is not only beautiful, but also enhances your reputation in the community and provides opportunities for education, while supporting wildlife. Ecological Engineering
Integrating Corporate Sustainability Initiatives and Wildlife Habitat Council Programs
The green wave of sustainability continues to influence corporate decision making and an emphasis on the triple bottom line – economic, social and environmental. The flexibility of the Wildlife Habitat Council’s dual focus on biodiversity and education allows for the opportunity to tailor programs specific corporate priorities. Learn new ideas for strengthening your sustainability initiatives and hear how industry leaders integrated Council programs into their corporate goals. Track 2: The Story of Place
Telling the Story of Place, the interwoven natural and cultural history of a location, allows us to teach our audiences about their particular area while bringing attention to Biodiversity. This process of discovery and learning can reconnect us to the land, and as such is an invaluable tool for conservation and education. The panel will discuss how Story of Place links to biodiversity (native plants, natural history, and human history) and using Story of Place to explore history and look to the future. We will feature several Council sites who have unique ‘stories of place’ expressed through their programs offered to employees and the community. Participants will learn how to integrate story of place (natural and human) into WHC programs, and explore biodiversity as a function of the location and the history of the site. Managing Habitat for Threatened and Endangered Species
Businesses are often wary of threatened and endangered (T&E) species management due to the perceived associated operational restraints. A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service representative will provide an explanation of the agency’s Safe Harbor program and Candidate Conservation Agreements with Assurances and dispel misconceptions of protected species on operational land. Representatives from exemplary programs will relate how they successfully partner with government, NGOs, and the community to manage for T/E species and their habitats while incorporating conservation education. Program representatives will discuss the positive results of their efforts so far.
Increasing Outlets and Opportunities
Successful and sustainable programs are the results of strong community partnerships, employee involvement, and public outreach efforts. Learn how to build visibility and to promote habitat and educational programs, as well as how to gain recognition through different outlets, such as media, partnerships, and awards. Speakers will discuss the importance of demonstrating the full breadth of their programs and how to create opportunities that increase community, partner, and financial support. Participants will also learn how to engage their employees and community volunteers by incorporating their WHC programs with other corporate or community initiatives. Award Functions Pollinator Breakfast
The North American Pollinator Protection Campaign (NAPPC) and WHC will present the NAPPC WHC Pollinator Protection Award, recognizing a certified program that has implemented specific land management practices to promote pollinator populations. Luncheon & Partner Award Presentations
WHC offers many avenues for continued development of habitat programs and opportunities to link local restoration efforts with national programs. Several partners offer additional forms of recognition for implementing specific management of habitat areas and species that will be presented at the luncheon, including the Wild Turkey Management award, the Wings over Wetlands award and the Prairies for Tomorrow award. Reception, Banquet and International Awards Ceremony
WHC’s prestigious international conservation awards recognize voluntary activities by individuals, companies and organizations, large or small, private or non-profit, who demonstrate excellence in the areas of wildlife habitat enhancement and restoration. Each year, WHC presents an award in each of the following categories: Corporate Habitat of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Corporate Lands for Learning of the Year, Corporate Lands for Learning Rookie of the Year and Community Partner of the Year. WHC will also honor a WHC corporate member with a history of striving for excellence in conservation education and community engagement with the William W. Howard Conservation in Education (C.E.O.) Award. Questions? Please contact symposium@wildlifehc.org. Back to Top
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