Ohio Department of Natural Resources Ohio.gov
2026 Ohio Wildlife Diversity Conference - Celebrating Success - March 11, 2026

Conference Schedule

8:00 AM Doors Open
9:00 AM Welcome
9:15 AM
ON THE CUSP OF A COMEBACK: Status of the Freshwater Mussels of Ohio
Dr. Michael Hoggarth, Otterbein University
10:00 AM
MIDDEN MAKERS ON THE MEND: Ohio's Allegheny Woodrat Comeback
Becky Crow, Ohio Division of Wildlife
10:30 AM Break
11:00 AM
SMALL BUT MIGHTY: Reintroduction of the Tiny Tippecanoe Darter into Ohio's Largest River System
Brian Zimmerman, The Ohio State University
11:30 AM
SUCCESSION TO SUCCESS: Management and Movement of Massasaugas
Jesse Sockman, The Ohio State University
12:00 PM Lunch
1:15 PM
STURGEON SURGE: Lake Sturgeon Reintroduction in Ohio
Eric Weimer, Ohio Division of Wildlife
1:30 PM
LET'S MAKE A BUZZ: Celebrating the Success of Ohio's First Statewide Bee Survey
Dr. Karen Goodell, The Ohio State University Newark
2:15 PM Break
2:30 PM
HABITAT MANAGEMENT SUCCESSES: Lessons from Grassland Bird Monitoring in Ohio
Joseph Lautenbach, Ohio Division of Wildlife
3:00 PM
CELEBRATING FUNGAL DIVERSITY: A New Field Guide to Common Ohio Mushrooms
Django Grootmeyers, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
3:30 PM Conclusion

OHIO WILDLIFE LEGACY STAMP • 20% DISCOUNT

Be the first to purchase your 2026 Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp featuring the Killdeer.

Order your stamp today for only $12 and receive it at the conference.

All proceeds benefit Ohio's wildlife diversity.

2026 Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp - Killdeer

Conference Details

Location

Ohio Union
1739 North High Street
Columbus, OH 43210
(OSU Campus)

Conference, check-in, and on-site registration are on the second floor of the Ohio Union.

Parking

Ohio Union South Garage
Located on the north side of the building with access from High St. or College Rd.

Parking: $10 (credit card only)
800 spaces available, attached to the Union.

Box Lunch Option

A box lunch (choice of sandwich, chips, dessert, and drink) is available for $18 for those who preregister by February 25th.

Sandwich Options: Turkey Sandwich, Roasted Veggie Sandwich (Vegetarian), or Italian Sub

Join us for lunch and take advantage of the opportunity to visit with other attendees and speakers!

Registration Options

Early Registration (before March 1, 2026) $40.00
On-Site Registration (March 1 or later) $50.00
Legacy Partner Registration (before March 1, 2026) $100.00
Student Registration $15.00
Luncheon (before Feb. 25th) $18.00
Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp (with registration) $12.00

Legacy Partner Registration includes: Regular registration items, 2026 Wildlife Legacy Stamp, 2026 Wild Ohio Calendar, 2026 subscription to Wild Ohio Magazine, reserved table seating, and a limited-edition special gift.

Fees are nonrefundable. If you are unable to attend, you may send a substitute.