What’s happening Tuesday at TWS’ Virtual Conference?

The second day of The Wildlife Society’s 2020 Virtual Conference brings lots of symposia and other events to explore. Many of these events are only available on Tuesday, so watch them while you can to be able to participate in the live panels on Wednesday. And remember, the times listed here are in EDT, but participants will see the times displayed on the platform in their own time zones.

Symposia

Tuesday’s symposia include “Navigating the Apocalypse: Bold and Interdisciplinary Thinking for 21st Century Conservation Crises.”

Supported by the Climate Change and Wildlife Working Group, organizers Tracy Melvin, of Michigan State University, and Chris Hoving, of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Michigan State, delve into the new era we are experiencing of unprecedented challenges to preserving, maintaining and stewarding natural resources. This symposium will address some of the big wildlife conservation issues that are emerging as the 21st century’s most wicked problems. Among them are climate-induced ecological transformation, the role of wildlife practitioners in wildlife trafficking, frameworks for assisted migration, building capacity in international wildlife partnerships, invasive species in an era of rapid change and global conservation. The symposium’s live panel discussion will take place Wednesday at 3 p.m. EDT, giving conference attendees a chance to exchange ideas with the symposium participants.

The following are other symposia taking place Tuesday:

Leadership Does Not Require Titles, Just Like This Symposium: Presenters who have taken part in TWS’ Leadership Institute and other leadership opportunities provide insights into various challenges facing wildlife professionals today, weaving a thread of how leadership training and fundamentals can bring about positive results both professionally and personally. Supported by: The Wildlife Society, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Wildlife Health in a Changing Climate: Novel Stressors and Innovative Solutions: Speakers will explore examples of how climate change is influencing pathogens and their wildlife hosts, and address how the wildlife health paradigm will need to shift to integrate dynamic, novel stressors into a more holistic view of wildlife health. Presenters will expand the concept of health from being solely focused on disease, discuss how health surveillance will need to respond to changing conditions, and consider how climate adaptation and mitigation strategies can contribute to protecting the health of wildlife, the planet and ourselves. Supported by: Wildlife Disease Working Group, Climate Change Working Group, American Association of Wildlife Veterinarians

Creating and Designing Wildlife Friendly Cities: Listen as speakers examine an array of cities, organizations and collaborative projects working to make their cities safer and friendlier for wildlife through such things as urban forests, wildlife-friendly ordinances, restoring green spaces and more. The symposium will be divided into two themes: 1) Policy, Advocacy, and Organization and 2) Research, Design, and Action. Supported by: Urban Wildlife Working Group.

Eastern Elk Ecology and Management: Delve into the numerous programs aimed at restoring elk in eastern states and the challenges of doing so in a fragmented landscape. The session is designed to facilitate the exchange of knowledge that has been accumulated through addressing challenges and opportunities in a range of bio-political systems. Supported by: Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, Hunting, Trapping and Conservation Working Group

Navigating the Path to Professional Success: Speakers will offer insight to current students, recent graduates and early career professionals into how to navigate the wildlife profession, from creating standout resumes to impressing potential employers to directing their career paths. Speakers will share their experiences and offer tips to improve professionalism in an age of social media, technology and increasing social familiarity. Topics will include interviews, networking, TWS certification and TWS student chapter involvement.

Panel Discussion

Take part in the livestreaming panel discussion “Avian-Solar Interactions: State of the Science” from 12:30 to 2 p.m. EDT.

The discussion explores research underway to better understand avian-solar interactions as more utility-scale photovoltaic development occurs. Updates will be provided by the U.S. Geological Survey, the Electric Power Research Institute, Argonne National Laboratory, the University of California Los Angeles and Colorado State University. Supported by: Avian Solar Working Group

Networking

Chat with award recipients at the Aldo Leopold Award Reception at 5:30 p.m. EDT. The Out in the Field Happy Hour for LGBTQ+ Wildlifers takes place at 6 p.m. EDT. The New York Chapter Reception and Utah State University Reception each take place at 6 p.m. EDT.

Exhibitors

Exhibitor hours start on Tuesday. Stop by any time you have a moment. Exhibitors will be in the video chat room in their booths for live, face-to-face interaction from 12 to 12:30 p.m. and 4 to 4:30 p.m.

Header Image: The last day of the conference is filled with workshops. Credit: TWS