Government officials welcome TWS to Maryland

Members of the state and federal government are excited to welcome The Wildlife Society members to Baltimore for the 31^st annual TWS conference.

“My fellow Marylanders and I are proud to host this crucial gathering in our home state,” said Steny Hoyer, a congressman from Maryland’s Fifth District and the former majority leader of the United States House of Representatives, in a video addressing TWS members. “For the first time this week, researchers, educators, advocates, policymakers and students across the country and around the world gather in Baltimore for the same purpose—preserving this planet we all call home.”

Government officials, from congressmen to the Maryland Secretary of the Environment, feel connected to the mission of The Wildlife Society and the theme of this year’s conference.

“This year’s theme, ‘merging science policy and culture to advance conservation,’ is especially relevant here in Maryland,” said Senator Ben Cardin, who has championed landmark environmental protections, including Chesapeake Bay restoration. “These resources not only define our natural heritage but also drive our local economy, from tourism to agriculture, ensuring the health and well-being of our communities. The intersection of science, policy and culture is crucial in Maryland’s conservation efforts. Through sound science, we understand the challenges facing our ecosystem. Through informed policy, we protect these resources for future generations, and through our deep connection to local culture, we ensure conservation is a shared priority for everyone.”

The officials urge TWS conference attendees to check out all of the natural resources that the state has to offer.

“For those of you who are visiting Maryland for the first time, I hope you’ve had a chance to explore the state’s incredible natural beauty,” said Serena McIlwain, the Maryland Secretary of the Environment. McIlwain urges attendees to visit the sea turtles at the new wetlands exhibit at the National Aquarium and the river otters that have returned to the state with the help of the government, NGOs and academic institutions. “We’ve made great strides, but as you know, we still have challenges like, for example, habitat loss, invasive species and the overall impacts of climate change,” she said.

But these leaders also feel that TWS members will make a positive impact on our ecosystems and the wildlife that live in them.

“I know each of you will make the most of this week by sharing research, building new partnerships and coming up with new ideas for how we can best protect our wildlife,” Hoyer said. “Thank you for your crucial work, not only this week but, more importantly, year-round. Good luck and Godspeed.

Watch the video of these governmental leaders: