EARLY SUCCESSIONAL FORESTS: This workshop includes a field trip to a nearby site where public and private landowners and managers are working to provide early successional forests for wildlife featuring alder and aspen management. A variety of speakers will address the value of early successional forests to birds, threats to this important ecosystem, and the methods used to manage for quality early successional habitat. A reception with refreshments and hors d'oeuvres will be provided on-site. Speakers include Al Stewart (Michigan Department of Natural Resources) and Eric Ellis (Conservation Resource Alliance).

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY AND BIRDS: This workshop includes a panel discussion on the potential impacts of wind turbines and biofuels on birds and their habitats. Speakers will present an unbiased perspective on the costs and benefits of these technologies and their future in Michigan. Attendees are encouraged to engage the speakers in an open dialog on what is known and where the technology will take us. Speakers include Lynn Sampson (USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service), Kim Pargoff (Environment Michigan), Joelle Gehring (Michigan Natural Features Inventory), and Ray Adams (Kalamazoo Nature Center).

INTRODUCING BIRDING TO ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS: Learn how to teach basic birdwatching to folks who have never birded before. Outreach specialists will demonstrate how to make field guides and binoculars less intimidating to the neophyte and discuss ways to get the non-birding public more excited and interested in observing and interacting with the natural world. Bring your field guides and binoculars; weather permitting, the workshop will include a tour of the natural area at the College to brainstorm the use of on-the-ground examples to cover basic ecological concepts. Speakers include Ray Rustem (Michigan DNR).

MICHIGAN’S BREEDING BIRDS – TWENTY YEARS OF CHANGE: Be among the first to learn about results of Michigan Breeding Bird Atlas II.  There have been some dramatic changes in avian distribution and abundance since the first Atlas 20 years ago.  Learn about preliminary Atlas results from some of the state’s leading experts.  Following presentations on different bird groups there will be a round table discussion on the status of Michigan’s birds. Speakers include Ray Adams (Kalamazoo Nature Center).

PAYING IT FORWARD: THE STATUS AND FUTURE OF PUBLIC FUNDING FOR RESOURCE CONSERVATION IN MICHIGAN: Funding of public conservation has historically consisted of a mix of user fees and general tax support. Come and find out about the current funding crisis for public resource conservation – why it’s happening and what can be done about it. And learn the consequences if a solution isn’t found. Speakers include Donna Stine (Michigan United Conservation Clubs), Brian Beauchamp (Michigan League of Conservation Voters), and Chuck Nelson (Michigan State University).