Raptor Research Foundation 2010 Annual Conference |
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Fort Collins, Colorado
Hosted by the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program
22-26 September 2010
Plan to attend the 2010 Annual Conference for the Raptor Research Foundation, set for September 22-26 in Fort Collins, Colorado. The conference theme, "Raptors in a Changing World", seeks to explore the role of raptor research in a world of energy development, human conflicts, and emerging diseases. Judy Scherpelz, Executive Director of the non-profit organization, Rocky Mountain Raptor Program (RMRP) is host of the event, and EDM, International, a leader in addressing avian interactions with utility infrastructure, co-hosts.
In addition to the general paper sessions, issues of impacts on raptors will be explored through one symposium and four workshops. Keith Bildstein, Director of Hawk Mountain in Pennsylvania, will chair the symposium "Using Bird Banding Data to Study Movement Ecology or Demography". Kate Davis, Executive director of Raptors of the Rockies in Florence, Montana, will chair "Raptors in Education", Nick Komar, a researcher with the Center for Disease Control in Fort Collins, Colorado, will chair "Raptors and Zoonotic Infections". Brian Washburn, researcher for the USDA/APHIS/Wildlife Services National Wildlife Research Center' Ohio Field Station in Sandusky, Ohio will chair "Raptor/Human Conflicts" and Rick Harness, with EDM, Int'l in Fort Collins, CO will chair "Raptors and Energy Development".
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The special speaker for the conference is Pat Shipman, Ph.D. Dr. Shipman is currently at Pennsylvania State University. Her forte is the history of anthropology and the study and interpretation of fossils. She is the author of Taking Wing, an exploration of archaeopteryx and the evolution of bird flight. Her presentation will further this exploration by looking at the newest discoveries in this field.
There will be many opportunities to explore the unique environments located in the area. Fieldtrips include visits to Rocky Mountain National Park, to view nesting sites and migration; the Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, which not only contains highly unique ecosystems, but is home to the internationally known Lindenmeier archaeological site; hiking at Pawnee Buttes, the setting for James Michener's Centennial; and Dinosaur Ridge near Red Rocks Amphitheater for birdwatching. Additional fieldtrips will be added in the coming months. Fort Collins is beautiful any time of the year, however September in this small, historic city, is stunning. Not only is the town awash in the peak of fall color, but golden aspen trees abound in the high country. Set against the backdrop of 14,000 foot peaks, Fort Collins is the gateway to the Rocky Mountains. A variety of ecosystems, from short-grass prairie to high mountain ranges, are within an hour's drive from the town. Late September will offer a peak of fall color for those who choose to experience the aspen in the high country.
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Home to Colorado State University, Fort Collins has a national reputation for offering a high quality of life. It offers many amenities for the outdoor enthusiasts, including miles of bike/running trails, a bike library for those who wish to explore the area by bicycle, several fitness and climbing centers that offer day passes, fishing on the scenic Poudre River, to name a few. Fort Collins also has a reputation for the number of world-renowned microbreweries including New Belgium Brewing Company. Family members that accompany attendees will be delighted with the variety of activities available to them.
For further information, please visit the conference website:
http://www.rmrp.info/