Workshops
We’re pleased to offer the following high-quality pre-conference workshops on Sunday, April 30, 2023. Thank you to the workshop organizers for their efforts to provide these additional educational opportunities with an emphasis on a specific skill, technique, or process.
Pre-registration is required for participation in all workshops. Sign up will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis via the online registration form.
Pre-registration is required for participation in all workshops. Sign up will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis via the online registration form.
W-01: Designing, Implementing and Maintaining Wildlife Fencing to Improve Habitat Connectivity and Reduce Wildlife Vehicle Collisions
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM; Sunday, April 30, 2023
Fee to attend: $25
Overview: We will explore ways to design and implement fences to improve habitat connectivity and reduce wildlife vehicle collisions. During the session we take a practical look into different fence layouts, different fencing materials and designs for a variety of species to help give you a better understanding of what it takes to implement and effective fence for a wide range of species.
Intended Audience: Professionals... biologists, engineers, contractors
Presenter: Steve Béga, Animex International; Kari Gunson: Eco-Kare International
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM; Sunday, April 30, 2023
Fee to attend: $25
Overview: We will explore ways to design and implement fences to improve habitat connectivity and reduce wildlife vehicle collisions. During the session we take a practical look into different fence layouts, different fencing materials and designs for a variety of species to help give you a better understanding of what it takes to implement and effective fence for a wide range of species.
Intended Audience: Professionals... biologists, engineers, contractors
Presenter: Steve Béga, Animex International; Kari Gunson: Eco-Kare International
W-02: TWS Professional Certification Workshop
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM; Sunday, April 30, 2023
No fee to attend, however pre-registration is required.
Overview: TWS Professional Certification means The Wildlife Society recognizes that a member meets the minimum educational, experience, and ethical standards adopted by the Society for professional wildlife biologists. In this interactive workshop I will briefly describe and discuss TWS’ certification program for Associate Wildlife Biologist® and Certified Wildlife Biologist®, the value of professional certification, education and experience requirements, how the application process works, when and how to apply, and review solutions to the biggest problems most applicants encounter. Following the presentation and Q&A, direct technical assistance will be provided to workshop participants interested in pursuing certification. Note: For those seriously contemplating certification and desiring assistance, it would be helpful to have a copy of your college transcripts and resume with you.
Intended Audience: Wildlife Students and Professionals
Presenter: Calvin DuBrock, The Wildlife Society, Northeast Section, TWS Certification Review Board
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM; Sunday, April 30, 2023
No fee to attend, however pre-registration is required.
Overview: TWS Professional Certification means The Wildlife Society recognizes that a member meets the minimum educational, experience, and ethical standards adopted by the Society for professional wildlife biologists. In this interactive workshop I will briefly describe and discuss TWS’ certification program for Associate Wildlife Biologist® and Certified Wildlife Biologist®, the value of professional certification, education and experience requirements, how the application process works, when and how to apply, and review solutions to the biggest problems most applicants encounter. Following the presentation and Q&A, direct technical assistance will be provided to workshop participants interested in pursuing certification. Note: For those seriously contemplating certification and desiring assistance, it would be helpful to have a copy of your college transcripts and resume with you.
Intended Audience: Wildlife Students and Professionals
Presenter: Calvin DuBrock, The Wildlife Society, Northeast Section, TWS Certification Review Board
W-03: Field Response to Wildlife Health Events
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM; Sunday, April 30, 2023
Pre-registration and additional fee of $10 required. This workshop will be held offsite and transportation will be provided.
Overview: Wildlife biologists, wardens, and other personnel are often tasked with responding to wildlife morbidity and mortality events. A comprehensive, safe, and timely investigation of a wildlife health event may lead to decisive management actions, while a lack of one may exacerbate the situation. The objective of this workshop is to demonstrate how to prepare for and conduct rigorous wildlife health investigations while safeguarding human, domestic animal, and wild animal health. Biosecurity and biosafety considerations will be reviewed, along with how to gather a history, how to determine when capture or humane dispatch of sick wildlife may be warranted, how to conduct a post-mortem examination in the field and recognize gross abnormalities, how to collect, store, transport, and submit biological specimens, and how to properly dispose of waste. Workshop will occur outdoors rain or shine and attendees will be organized into small groups to perform field necropsies of wild birds and mammals. All attendees will be provided personal protective equipment but must provide proof of rabies vaccination.
Presenters: Dr. Andrew Di Salvo, PGC; Amber Nolder, PGC; Dr. Scott Larsen, Wildlife Futures Program, PennVet; Dr. Erica Miller, Wildlife Futures Program, PennVet; Dr. Kevin Niedringhaus, Wildlife Futures Program, PennVet; Lane Potts, Wildlife Futures Program, PennVet; Luke Scherer, Wildlife Futures Program, PennVet; Ashley McDowell, Wildlife Futures Program, PennVet; Matt Shaub, Wildlife Futures Program, PennVet; Lauren Maxwell, Wildlife Futures Program, PennVet; Ian Gereg, Wildlife Futures Program, PennVet.
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM; Sunday, April 30, 2023
Pre-registration and additional fee of $10 required. This workshop will be held offsite and transportation will be provided.
Overview: Wildlife biologists, wardens, and other personnel are often tasked with responding to wildlife morbidity and mortality events. A comprehensive, safe, and timely investigation of a wildlife health event may lead to decisive management actions, while a lack of one may exacerbate the situation. The objective of this workshop is to demonstrate how to prepare for and conduct rigorous wildlife health investigations while safeguarding human, domestic animal, and wild animal health. Biosecurity and biosafety considerations will be reviewed, along with how to gather a history, how to determine when capture or humane dispatch of sick wildlife may be warranted, how to conduct a post-mortem examination in the field and recognize gross abnormalities, how to collect, store, transport, and submit biological specimens, and how to properly dispose of waste. Workshop will occur outdoors rain or shine and attendees will be organized into small groups to perform field necropsies of wild birds and mammals. All attendees will be provided personal protective equipment but must provide proof of rabies vaccination.
Presenters: Dr. Andrew Di Salvo, PGC; Amber Nolder, PGC; Dr. Scott Larsen, Wildlife Futures Program, PennVet; Dr. Erica Miller, Wildlife Futures Program, PennVet; Dr. Kevin Niedringhaus, Wildlife Futures Program, PennVet; Lane Potts, Wildlife Futures Program, PennVet; Luke Scherer, Wildlife Futures Program, PennVet; Ashley McDowell, Wildlife Futures Program, PennVet; Matt Shaub, Wildlife Futures Program, PennVet; Lauren Maxwell, Wildlife Futures Program, PennVet; Ian Gereg, Wildlife Futures Program, PennVet.
W-04: Trapping Matters Professional Development Workshop
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Sunday, April 30, 2023
Pre-registration and additional fee of $40 required for the Full Day Workshop. Lunch will be included.
Overview: The Trapping Matters professional development workshops were initiated in 2003 to help improve agency professionals' ability to communicate about the role and benefits of regulated trapping in wildlife management. Since their inception, more than 6,000 wildlife professionals have attended workshops throughout the United States. The Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation, the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, The Wildlife Society, The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, USDA-APHIS-Wildlife Services, and state fish and wildlife agencies partner to deliver workshops related to effective communication and regulated trapping. The fundamental purpose of these professional development workshops is to advance awareness and communication skills related to regulated trapping among agency professionals, familiarize attendees with commonly used trapping devices and techniques through hands-on demonstrations, and to increase understanding of Best Management Practices for regulated trapping in the United States.
WHAT'S IT ABOUT? Workshop covers:
Intended Audience: State and Federal Natural Resource Professionals
Presenters: Tom Decker, USFWS, Bryant White, AFWA, Samara Trusso, PA Game Commission, Matt Lavallo, PA Game Commission
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Sunday, April 30, 2023
Pre-registration and additional fee of $40 required for the Full Day Workshop. Lunch will be included.
Overview: The Trapping Matters professional development workshops were initiated in 2003 to help improve agency professionals' ability to communicate about the role and benefits of regulated trapping in wildlife management. Since their inception, more than 6,000 wildlife professionals have attended workshops throughout the United States. The Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation, the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, The Wildlife Society, The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, USDA-APHIS-Wildlife Services, and state fish and wildlife agencies partner to deliver workshops related to effective communication and regulated trapping. The fundamental purpose of these professional development workshops is to advance awareness and communication skills related to regulated trapping among agency professionals, familiarize attendees with commonly used trapping devices and techniques through hands-on demonstrations, and to increase understanding of Best Management Practices for regulated trapping in the United States.
WHAT'S IT ABOUT? Workshop covers:
- Introduction to Best Management Practices (BMPs) for trapping
- A cursory demonstration and overview for familiarity with basic trapping techniques
- Human dimensions studies overview and public understanding of regulated trapping
- How the media works and how to use key messages
- Tips on effective communication
- Social media tips
- Key messages for communication about trapping and wildlife management
Intended Audience: State and Federal Natural Resource Professionals
Presenters: Tom Decker, USFWS, Bryant White, AFWA, Samara Trusso, PA Game Commission, Matt Lavallo, PA Game Commission
W-05: From Notebooks to Knowledge - The Shared Wildlife Health Information System (SWHIS)
9:30 AM – 12:00 PM; Sunday, April 30, 2023
No fee to attend, however pre-registration is required.
Overview: Robust wildlife health surveillance is imperative to safeguard biodiversity and both human and animal health. Wildlife management agencies often lack resources to effectively conduct surveillance activities, in particular limited recordkeeping tools, such as notebooks or spreadsheets, restricts the analyses of wildlife health data that is needed to help detect new emerging threats, track changes in the frequency, magnitude, or geographic extent of known threats, and inform management strategies. In this workshop, participants will be provided with mock datasets enabling them to trial firsthand the Shared Wildlife Health Information System (SWHIS) - an online database tool designed with input from state wildlife management agencies to facilitate the organization, visualization, analysis, and sharing of wildlife health data. With access to the system, participants will learn about the key features within the SWHIS including how to create events, animal and specimen records, add diagnostic test results, generate lab submissions, run basic queries, and bulk import historic data. The workshop also aims to bring together stakeholders to discuss what tools are needed to ensure future developments in SWHIS meet the needs of state agencies and what is needed to strengthen regional and national responses to disease threats, engage the public in disease prevention, and promote the stewardship of animal, human and environmental health. Note, participants will be required to bring their own laptops.
Intended Audience: This workshop is geared toward any organization or agency that is interested in collecting wildlife health data to better inform wildlife management strategies.
Presenters: Sabrina S. Greening, Department of Pathobiology, Wildlife Futures Program, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine; Julie C. Ellis, Department of Pathobiology, Wildlife Futures Program, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine; Lowell Ballard, Timmons Group; Chris Lutz, Timmons Group
9:30 AM – 12:00 PM; Sunday, April 30, 2023
No fee to attend, however pre-registration is required.
Overview: Robust wildlife health surveillance is imperative to safeguard biodiversity and both human and animal health. Wildlife management agencies often lack resources to effectively conduct surveillance activities, in particular limited recordkeeping tools, such as notebooks or spreadsheets, restricts the analyses of wildlife health data that is needed to help detect new emerging threats, track changes in the frequency, magnitude, or geographic extent of known threats, and inform management strategies. In this workshop, participants will be provided with mock datasets enabling them to trial firsthand the Shared Wildlife Health Information System (SWHIS) - an online database tool designed with input from state wildlife management agencies to facilitate the organization, visualization, analysis, and sharing of wildlife health data. With access to the system, participants will learn about the key features within the SWHIS including how to create events, animal and specimen records, add diagnostic test results, generate lab submissions, run basic queries, and bulk import historic data. The workshop also aims to bring together stakeholders to discuss what tools are needed to ensure future developments in SWHIS meet the needs of state agencies and what is needed to strengthen regional and national responses to disease threats, engage the public in disease prevention, and promote the stewardship of animal, human and environmental health. Note, participants will be required to bring their own laptops.
Intended Audience: This workshop is geared toward any organization or agency that is interested in collecting wildlife health data to better inform wildlife management strategies.
Presenters: Sabrina S. Greening, Department of Pathobiology, Wildlife Futures Program, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine; Julie C. Ellis, Department of Pathobiology, Wildlife Futures Program, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine; Lowell Ballard, Timmons Group; Chris Lutz, Timmons Group
W-06: On-the-Water Safety with Fish & Wildlife Professionals
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM; Sunday, April 30, 2023
No fee to attend, however pre-registration is required.
Overview: The states in the Northeast Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies are home to an abundance of aquatic resources. Natural resource professionals responsible for managing these resources and the fish and wildlife that rely on them spend a significant amount of their careers on or around some of the coldest water in the country. Fish and wildlife biologists often work in less-than-ideal conditions and at times when few others are on the water. To avoid the perfect storm scenario, some organizations have taken action to proactively manage risks associated with water-based activities and empower employees to make wise decisions regarding their personal safety. Employees are our greatest asset so it’s imperative we use a multi-pronged approach to ensure their safety on and around the water, including:
This workshop will share best practices for a practical approach to boating and water safety for fish and wildlife professionals. This workshop will include interactive, hands-on opportunities for participants, as well as formal presentations, to introduce model policies, procedures and training for boating and water safety.
Potential speakers include boating safety and fish and wildlife professionals who have implemented boating and water safety policies, standard operating procedures, and training based on national best practices and standards. In addition to a formal presentation, speakers will also lead a series of stations that include interactive, hands-on opportunities for participants.
The workshop will consist of approximately 1 to 1.5 hours of formal presentations. The remainder of the time will involve small group rotations through a series of hands-on stations that feature specific elements of the presentation (e.g., selecting and trying on a variety of life jackets, using throw bags, going over a pre-departure checklist with an actual agency boat, safe solo boat launching, etc.).
Intended Audience: Professionals
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM; Sunday, April 30, 2023
No fee to attend, however pre-registration is required.
Overview: The states in the Northeast Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies are home to an abundance of aquatic resources. Natural resource professionals responsible for managing these resources and the fish and wildlife that rely on them spend a significant amount of their careers on or around some of the coldest water in the country. Fish and wildlife biologists often work in less-than-ideal conditions and at times when few others are on the water. To avoid the perfect storm scenario, some organizations have taken action to proactively manage risks associated with water-based activities and empower employees to make wise decisions regarding their personal safety. Employees are our greatest asset so it’s imperative we use a multi-pronged approach to ensure their safety on and around the water, including:
- Life jacket and other PPE requirements
- Practical on-the-water boat operations training
- Engine cut-off switch requirements
- Pre-departure checklists
- Float plans
- In-water safety training
- Boating safety education requirements
This workshop will share best practices for a practical approach to boating and water safety for fish and wildlife professionals. This workshop will include interactive, hands-on opportunities for participants, as well as formal presentations, to introduce model policies, procedures and training for boating and water safety.
Potential speakers include boating safety and fish and wildlife professionals who have implemented boating and water safety policies, standard operating procedures, and training based on national best practices and standards. In addition to a formal presentation, speakers will also lead a series of stations that include interactive, hands-on opportunities for participants.
The workshop will consist of approximately 1 to 1.5 hours of formal presentations. The remainder of the time will involve small group rotations through a series of hands-on stations that feature specific elements of the presentation (e.g., selecting and trying on a variety of life jackets, using throw bags, going over a pre-departure checklist with an actual agency boat, safe solo boat launching, etc.).
Intended Audience: Professionals
W-07: STUDENT WORKSHOP: Getting That Job: Applying and Interviewing with Federal, State, and Private Entities
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM; Sunday, April 30, 2023
No fee to attend, however pre-registration is required.
Overview: This workshop will focus on providing students with the necessary tools to help steer and develop their careers. Students will be offered a variety of career development tools such as resume and cover letter writing for applying to State and Federal Agencies, as well as Non-Government Organizations. Topics could also include Image Perception (as it relates to social media and professionalism), Career Direction, Elective College Course Recommendations, Building Experience Opportunities, Affiliations and Involvement, Embracing Diversity, and Human Dimensions. The preferred format would be to host an open QA session for students with a diversified panel of professionals representing State and Federal Agencies, and NGOs.
Intended Audience: Undergraduate and Graduate Students, Field Technicians, Seasonal Employees, and Interns.
Presenters: Craig Hicks with USDA Wildlife Services will be moderating the session. Panelists will be representatives of State, Federal and Non-Government entities
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM; Sunday, April 30, 2023
No fee to attend, however pre-registration is required.
Overview: This workshop will focus on providing students with the necessary tools to help steer and develop their careers. Students will be offered a variety of career development tools such as resume and cover letter writing for applying to State and Federal Agencies, as well as Non-Government Organizations. Topics could also include Image Perception (as it relates to social media and professionalism), Career Direction, Elective College Course Recommendations, Building Experience Opportunities, Affiliations and Involvement, Embracing Diversity, and Human Dimensions. The preferred format would be to host an open QA session for students with a diversified panel of professionals representing State and Federal Agencies, and NGOs.
Intended Audience: Undergraduate and Graduate Students, Field Technicians, Seasonal Employees, and Interns.
Presenters: Craig Hicks with USDA Wildlife Services will be moderating the session. Panelists will be representatives of State, Federal and Non-Government entities