(LINCOLN, Neb.) — Two distinguished authors and wildlife researchers will present a forum on the biodiversity of Nebraska at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln on Tuesday, Oct. 30, beginning at 6 p.m.
Paul Johnsgard and Mary Bomberger Brown will discuss "The Biodiversity of Nebraska within the Great Plains," in a free and open seminar at East Campus' Hardin Hall on the northeast corner of 33rd and Holdrege streets. Parking is free in all unmarked spaces around the building.
Johnsgard, a prolific writer about the natural world, is widely recognized as one of the nation's leading experts on ornithology, the study of birds. He will present for the first time his most recent book, "Nebraska’s Wetlands: Their Wildlife and Ecology," which is expected to print sometime before Oct. 30. He also contributed stunning color photographs for Brown's book, "Birds of Southwestern Nebraska," a field guide that published this spring.
Johnsgard and Brown will both be available to meet with guests and sign copies of their books which will be on sale at special event pricing in the Nebraska Maps & More Store in the Hardin Hall lobby. Guests can also sign up for door prizes.
The evening also includes a visit with Dave and Linda Titterington of Wild Bird Habitat stores, who will give visitors the chance for a close look at Screech and Barred Owls. Titterington's demonstration is an outreach program provided by the Pioneers Park Nature Center of Lincoln Parks and Recreation.
Hosted by the School of Natural Resources and its Nebraska Maps & More Store, the evening begins with a short reception and a chance to meet the authors at 6 p.m. Titterington's presentation begins at 6:30 p.m., and then Johnsgard and Brown begin their remarks at 7 p.m. Refreshments will be provided, and book signings will be held after the presentations.
Johnsgard, a professor emeritus at UNL, has been recognized with awards from the National Wildlife Federation, the National Audubon Society, and most recently the American Ornithologist's Union.
Among his more recent works is "Wetland Birds of the Central Plains: South Dakota Nebraska and Kansas," a summary of the 183 wetland birds found in the region. The book covers all species of wetland birds that live, migrate through, and are extremely rare to the three-state region.
He also published a book of poems and illustrations—"The Prairie's Not Scary"— which depicts and illustrates mammals, birds, insects and plants that live in North American prairies.
Johnsgard is currently working on another book, a collaboration with Mary Bomberger Brown titled “Birds of the Central Platte River Valley and Adjacent Counties.”
Brown is also an American Ornithologists' Union medal winner, recognized in 2009 with the prestigious Elliott Coues Award for her extensive research on cliff swallows. She is a research assistant professor at UNL, and the program coordinator of the Tern and Plover Conservation Partnership.
The seminar is part of the School of Natural Resources outreach program, which has one more event planned for 2012. On Sunday, Nov.4, Morrill Hall on City Campus will host "NaturePalooza," a hands-on learning experience for the entire family.
--Charlie Litton, School of Natural Resources
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Related websites:
Paul Johnsgard Featured in "Prairie Fire":
http://www.prairiefirenewspaper.com/2009/06/a-profile-of-dr-paul-a-johnsgard
Mary Bomberger Brown UNL Profile:
http://snr.unl.edu/aboutus/who/people/faculty-member.asp?pid=857#tab1
Paul Johnsgard Collection:
http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/johnsgard/
Pioneers Park Nature Center:
http://lincoln.ne.gov/city/parks/naturecenter/
SNR Outreach:
http://go.unl.edu/SNRoutreach
SNR Seminars:
http://go.unl.edu/SNRseminars
SNR News:
http://go.unl.edu/SNRnews