The Potomac Valley Audubon Society welcomes Dr. Joelle Gehring, Biologist in the Division of Bird Conservation, Permits, and Regulations in the Migratory Bird Program of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service!
This event is co-sponsored with the National Conservation Training Center and will be take place in the Byrd Auditorium, 698 Conservation Way, Shepherdstown, WV.
PVMN Continuing Education Eligible
This program is free and open to the public. All are welcome to attend.
About the Presentation-Every year in the United States nearly one billion birds collide with lit structures and glass, mainly at low-rise buildings and homes. Light attracts migrating birds thereby increasing their risk of collisions with buildings and other structures. Fortunately, we can use easy and cost-saving solutions. By turning off unnecessary lights, closing curtains, and adding small, discrete patterns spaced 2-inches by 2-inches apart we can help birds and save money. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with partners to reduce bird collisions at federal facilities and beyond. More and more people are taking steps to reduce collisions at their homes and businesses. Learn how you can join the growing flock and make a difference for birds and people.
About the Presenter – Dr. Joelle Gehring is a Biologist in the Division of Bird Conservation, Permits, and Regulations in the Migratory Bird Program of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (2020 – present). Dr. Gehring works to reduce bird collisions with communications towers, lights, and glass. She also leads the Council for the Conservation of Migratory Birds (E.O. 13186). Prior to joining the Service she worked for the Federal Communications Commission (2012-2020) where she conducted environmental review and worked with tower operators to minimize bird collisions with communications towers and adverse effects to protected species. From 2005 to 2012, Dr. Gehring was a Senior Conservation Scientist with Michigan State University (MSU) where she designed and supervised a multi-year, landscape scale study of the variables associated with bird collisions at communications towers. While with MSU she also studied wildlife interactions with wind energy facilities and used those data to improve turbine siting. Throughout her career Dr. Gehring has used science and stakeholder input to develop and disseminate information on mainstreaming and cost-effective methods to reduce wildlife-human conflicts. Dr. Gehring completed her Ph.D. in Wildlife Ecology at Purdue University, M.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries Resources at West Virginia University, and her B.S., in both Biology and Wildlife Management at the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point.
SCHEDULE
Please note that this event is in-person only (no virtual attendance option). However, this program will be recorded and available for online viewing after Sept. 20 at the NCTC Broadcast Library: https://www.fws.gov/nctc-
- 6:30 PM: Social time with light refreshments. In order to reduce waste, we are asking that people bring their own mugs. During social time, Randy Robinson will give a short tour of new “bird friendly” window & lighting treatments at NCTC.
- 7:00 PM: Presentation begins!
- 8:00 PM: Approximate end of the program – though it may last longer depending on questions and discussion!
