42nd Ohio Wildlife Diversity Conference Celebrates Success
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Learn about freshwater mussels, grassland birds, native bees, Tippecanoe darters, and more during the 42nd annual Ohio Wildlife Diversity Conference on Wednesday, March 11, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. The conference, themed “Celebrating Success,” will be held at The Ohio State University’s Ohio Union in Columbus. Registration is now open (https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/education-training/wildlife-diversity-conference/2026-ohio-wildlife-diversity-conference) .
The Ohio Wildlife Diversity Conference annually welcomes wildlife researchers, students, educators, and enthusiasts to celebrate the state’s lesser-known wildlife species. The popular event draws hundreds of guests to listen to presentations from experts and network with wildlife professionals.
The 42nd annual Ohio Wildlife Diversity Conference will take place on Wednesday, March 11.
This year’s event features a keynote presentation from Dr. Michael Hoggarth of Otterbein University titled, “On the Cusp of a Comeback: The Status of the Freshwater Mussels of Ohio.” Additional presentations include:
• Midden Makers on the Mend: Ohio’s Allegheny Woodrat Comeback, by Becky Crow, ODNR Division of Wildlife
• Small but Mighty: Reintroduction of the Tiny Tippecanoe Darter into Ohio’s Largest River Systems, by Brian Zimmerman, The Ohio State University
• Succession to Success: Management and Movement of Massasaugas, by Jesse Sockman, The Ohio State University
• Sturgeon Surge: Lake Sturgeon Reintroduction in Ohio, by Eric Weimer, ODNR Division of Wildlife
• Let’s Make a Buzz: Celebrating the Success of Ohio’s First Statewide Bee Survey, by Dr. Karen Goodell, The Ohio State University Newark
• Habitat Management Successes: Lessons from Grassland Bird Monitoring in Ohio, by Joseph Lautenbach, ODNR Division of Wildlife
• Celebrating Fungal Diversity: A New Guide to Common Ohio Mushrooms, by Django Grootmyers, University of Tennessee Knoxville
Date and time: Wednesday, March 11, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Doors open at 8 a.m.
Ohio Union, 1739 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43210. The conference, check-in, and on-site registration are on the second floor of the Ohio Union.
Parking: Conference attendees should park in the Ohio Union South Parking Garage (1759 North High Street).
Preregistration is recommended (https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/education-training/wildlife-diversity-conference) and can be completed at wildohio.gov or by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE (945-3543)
New this year, participants can register as a Legacy Partner. This registration option comes with a themed tote bag (also included with discounted rate), 2026 Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp, 2026 Wild Ohio Calendar, one-year membership to Wild Ohio Magazine, reserved table seating, and a wildlife diversity themed gift.
Conference attendees who preregister may also purchase the 2026 Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp featuring a killdeer and will receive their stamp at the conference. Stamps will also be available at the conference. All of the stamp’s proceeds go to wildlife conservation, with most benefiting species of greatest conservation need through the Wildlife Diversity Fund. One dollar of every stamp sold will go to the Southern Wings program, which protects the overwintering habitats of Neotropical migratory birds that pass through Ohio.
Learn more at wildohio.gov (https://ohiodnr.gov/buy-and-apply/gifts-and-mechandise/wildlife-legacy-stamp/wildlife-legacy-stamp) .
Wild Ohio magazine (https://ohiodnr.gov/buy-and-apply/gifts-and-mechandise/wildohio-magazine) will be available at the conference. A one-year membership (six issues, one is a calendar) features Ohio’s amazing wildlife.
In addition, two new field guides in the ODNR Division of Wildlife’s educational series will be provided to each attendee: Mushrooms of Ohio and Summer Wildflowers of Ohio. The new Mushrooms of Ohio field guide showcases 67 of the state’s most common fungi and is an excellent resource for new and experienced mycologists. The Summer Wildflowers of Ohio guide, developed in coordination with the ODNR Division of Natural Areas and Preserves, highlights 69 native summer blooms and serves as a companion to the popular Spring Wildflowers of Ohio field guide. Both field guides include extensive identification information and photos of each species.
The mission of the Division of Wildlife is to conserve and improve fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all. Visit wildohio.gov (https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/safety-conservation/about-ODNR/wildlife) to find out more.
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov (https://ohiodnr.gov/) .
