Protecting Natural Darkness for Wildlife

Join us for a discussion on protecting natural darkness for wildlife with the Ohio Bird Conservation Initiative and Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Matthew Shumar, program coordinator, of the Ohio Bird Conservation Initiative will share with us information about the Ohio Lights Out campaign, an innovative approach to bird conservation, including tips on what you can do at home to help protect birds.

In addition, during the program, hear from Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) Biologist Ryan Trimbath. He will share information on the Night Skies Division for the National Park Service, tips on exploring CVNP at night, background on the bats of CVNP, ecological impacts of artificial lights, and the ongoing CVNP Lighting Assessment & Inventory.

WHAT TO EXPECT

5:30 PM: Doors Open

6:00 PM: Presentation

7:30 PM: Event Ends

TICKETS

Conservancy Members: $10 | General Admission: $15

About Matthew Shumar

Matthew is based in the School of Environment and Natural Resources at The Ohio State University where he is Program Coordinator of the Ohio Bird Conservation Initiative, a collaboration of non-profit groups, businesses, state and federal government agencies advancing avian conservation in Ohio and the region. Prior to working with OBCI, he was the Project Coordinator and co-editor for The Second Atlas of Breeding Birds in Ohio. Matthew’s research interests include landscape ecology, and in particular anthropogenic effects on Neotropical migrants. He is also interested in engaging the public into community science efforts and exploring new opportunities for collaborative efforts between academia, agency professionals, and amateur ecologists. Matthew also runs a private research station with a year-round bird banding program in southeastern Ohio with his wife, Molly, and is currently serving as Vice President of the Association of Field Ornithologists.

About Lights Out for Birds: Community Solutions to Avian Conservation
Artificial lighting, which is becoming increasingly abundant on the landscape, has become a major concern for migratory bird populations. Birds attracted to bright lighting often fatally collide with buildings, and it is estimated that between 365 and 988 million birds are killed by collisions each year in the United States. The Ohio Bird Conservation (OBCI) and its large network of conservation organizations has developed a Lights Out program to work within communities to address light and glass issues in urban areas. Regional Lights Out programs are now running in most of Ohio’s major cities and are supported by a wide variety of conservation organizations, businesses, and individuals.