2021 Natural Areas Conference


This event has concluded. If you previously registered for the conference and would like to to access the recording and additional resources, click here. 

Questions or concerns? Contact us at info@naturalareas.org. 

(updated 10-19-21)
This 2021 Natural Areas Virtual Conference was underwritten by the USDA Forest Service. 

Quick Access

2021 NATURAL AREAS CONFERENCE:

A ONE-DAY VIRTUAL EVENT

Life from the Ashes: Exploring the Impact of Prescribed & Natural Fire on Insects and Other Invertebrates

Ecosystems throughout North America evolved with wildfire. Today, prescribed fire is an important tool for managing habitat by maintaining open, early seral landscapes. Fire can greatly improve the value of habitat for insects and other invertebrates, often increasing species abundance and diversity, however, fire (both natural and prescribed) in the wrong place, at the wrong scale, or at the wrong time can have the opposite effect - negatively impacting invertebrate communities and their habitat.


Life from the Ashes explored the positive and negative impacts of prescribed and natural fire related to insects and other invertebrates in landscapes across North America. The symposium provided research and practical insights to inform natural areas professionals as they manage landscapes with fire.

This program is provided in a collaboration between the Natural Areas Association (NAA) and the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation (Xerces). NAA serves those dedicated to the management and restoration of biologically important natural areas in North America. Xerces is an international nonprofit organization that protects the natural world through the conservation of invertebrates and their habitats. Protecting nature requires reliable science to inform practices on-the-ground and a network of stewards who work tirelessly to protect, manage and restore land and water biodiversity.



The 2021 Natural Areas Conference was cohosted by the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation. 

Learn more about the Xerces Society



Stewardship Shorts

Six STEWARDSHIP SHORTS will be highlighted during the Natural Areas Conference, and will play in between live virtual sessions. A link to all STEWARDSHIP SHORTS will be made available for on-demand viewing on the conference website after the live event ends. 

STEWARDSHIP SHORTS are brief 3 to 5 minute, pre-recorded video presentations that describe a project, methodology, best practice or challenge related to a natural area(s) and can focus on any area of conservation ecology. These "vlogs" are an opportunity to learn from your colleagues so that they may become a resource to you. Click the link below to watch the NAC21 Stewardship Short collection. 

AGENDA

All times Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

Time

Session Title 
11:00am - 11:30am
Opening Remarks, Announcement of the 2020 and 2021 Fell & Becker Awards

  • Lisa Smith, Executive Director of the Natural Areas Association

11:30am - 12:15pm   

  • Scott Hoffman Black, Executive Director of the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation

12:15pm - 12:35pm
Break
12:35pm - 1:05pm

  • Molly Martin, Conservation Biologist, Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation

1:05pm - 1:35pm

  • John Mola, Ph.D., Research Ecologist, Fort Collins Science Center, USGS

1:35pm - 2:05pm
  • Elsa Youngsteadt, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Applied Ecology, North Carolina State University, Youngsteadt Lab
  • Clyde Sorenson, Alumni Association Distinguished Undergraduate Professor, Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University

2:05pm - 2:25pm
Break
2:25pm - 2:55pm

  • Robin M. Verble, Ph.D., Director, Ozark Research Field Station, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences, Missouri University of Science and Technology

2:55pm - 3:25pm

  • Rachel Atchison, Biological Science Technician, USDA ARS, Imported Fire Ant and Household Insects Research

3:25pm - 3:55pm

  • Ray Moranz, Grazing Lands Pollinator Ecologist, Partner Biologist, NRCS Central National Technology Support Center

3:55pm - 4:15pm
Break
4:15pm - 4:55pm
Closing Thoughts & Discussion

  • Join Scott Hoffman Black as he facilitates an open discussion with conference presenters to highlight important concepts identified throughout the event. Audience members are encouraged to submit questions in advance or during the live stream session.

4:55pm - 5:00pm
Conclusion
5:00pm - 5:30pm
Social Hour

Speakers

Click on a presenter's name to read their biography.

Lisa Smith

Executive Director
Natural Areas Association

Scott Hoffman Black

Executive Director
Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation


Molly Martin

Conservation Biologist
Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation

John Mola, Ph.D.

Research Ecologist
Fort Collins Science Center, USGS



Elsa Youngsteadt, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Applied Ecology
North Carolina State University



clyde sorenson

Alumni Association Distinguished Undergraduate Professor,
Entomology and Plant Pathology
North Carolina State University

Robin verble, Ph.D.

Director, Ozark Research Field Station,
Associate Professor of Biological Sciences,
Missouri University of Science and Technology

Rachel Atchison

Biological Science Technician 
USDA ARS , Imported Fire Ant and Household Insects Research

Ray Moranz

Grazing Lands Pollinator Ecologist,
Partner Biologist, 
NRCS Central National Technology Support Center

*All programming subject to change.  Please refresh the page for the most up-to-date information.  Check in frequently for updates. 

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