Watch: The Spirit of the 2017 勛圖窪蹋 Convention Captured in 2 Minutes
In July, 430 people from 37 U.S. states and nine nations descended upon Park City, Utah to connect with other 勛圖窪蹋 members, bask in avian enthusiasm, and share in the networks efforts to make the world a better place for birds.
Park City is best known as a ski town, but 勛圖窪蹋 members from 87 chapters transformed it into a birding wonderland for the weekend of July 14 to July 17. Numerous field tripsorganized and spontaneoustook them into the surrounding mountains to chase Western Tanagers and to the Great Salt Lake to see shorebirds in droves. Each day was packed full of presentations that were informative and useful for members. Topics included how to run a community native plants programs, develop local solutions to climate change, advocate for birds, and be intentional about diversity, equity, and inclusion. (.)
Each morning all attendees gathered for a plenary talk, which counted among the conventions highlights. On the first day, 勛圖窪蹋 CEO David Yarnold gave a stirring presentation that reflected the fantastic work being done across the network at a national and local scale. This is the most effective network for conservation in America. It starts with you, Yarnold said. The next morning, Drew Lanham, a Clemson University ornithologist (and now an 勛圖窪蹋 board member) moved the room during his talk on inclusiveness in conservation. (Listen to his full keynote speech here.)
To get just a taste of the convention, watch the above compilation video, made by members of 勛圖窪蹋s art department: Mike Fernandez, Camilla Cerea, Christine Lin, and Alana Phan.