The Michigan Bird Conservation Initiative (MiBCI) will hold its third Ornithological Congress April 3-5 at North Central Michigan College in Petoskey. MiBCI is a partnership with representatives from local, state, and federal agencies, nonprofit conservation groups, academics, and individuals promoting sound, scientific management of birds in Michigan.

"We're very excited about this year's Ornithological Congress," said Department of Natural Resources All-Bird Biologist Karen Cleveland. "Several representatives of nationally recognized programs will be in attendance to discuss their projects with Michigan's conservation community."

Highlights include talks by Terry Rich, the national coordinator of Partners in Flight; Tina Phillips, a project leader from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology; and Bill Bowerman, noted bald eagle expert and professor at Clemson University.

This year's Ornithological Congress also will feature a citizen science fair on April 5 with free admission for the general public. Representatives of a number of grassroots conservation efforts will share information on opportunities for the public to get actively involved in conservation projects in the state.

Two of the largest issues facing Michigan's birds are the impacts of invasive species and climate change. Speakers from The Nature Conservancy, the National Wildlife Federation, Michigan Natural Features Inventory and Michigan State University will discuss the ramifications of these impacts and what can be done about them.

In addition, there will be concurrent meetings with the northern regional chapters of the Michigan Audubon Society and the Michigan Chapter of The Wildlife Society at North Central Michigan College.

"This is a great opportunity for our members to share information and work together to conserve the state's wildlife," said Jim Schneider, president of the Michigan Chapter of the Wildlife Society. "So many conservation issues are relevant to all species, not just birds."

The congress provides an opportunity for organizations, agencies, and individuals to develop partnerships for current and future projects.

"No one organization can conserve all of the birds in Michigan," said Chair Richard Wolinski. "But the connections made at the Ornithological Congress help to pool resources and achieve larger goals."

For more information about the Michigan Bird Conservation Initiative or to register for the Ornithological Congress, check www.MiBCI.org on the Internet, or contact Karen Cleveland at (517) 373-1263.