48th Annual MRNR Keynote Speaker

May 6th - 8th will mark the 48th annual Mt. Rogers Naturalist Rally, and BRDC is thrilled to announce that our keynote speaker will be wetland ecologist, wetland biologist, and author, Thomas Biebighauser. Well known for his international travels to help design and construct wetlands, Tom has positioned himself as one of the leading experts in the implementation of naturally-appearing wetlands and specializes in creating habitats that cater to endangered or threatened species. Since 1979, he has restored over 2,700 wetlands and streams in Canada, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Taiwan, and 26 States. He retired in 2013 after working 34 years for the US Forest Service as a Wildlife Biologist, where he initiated wetland and stream restoration programs across the United States. Now, Tom’s passion for wetlands still carries him across the country (and world) for restoration projects, wetland construction workshops, and various other teaching opportunities. Tom has served as an instructor for the British Columbia Wildlife Federation Wetlands Institute for 17 years, teaches a graduate-level Wetland Design for Engineers course at the University of Louisville Speed School of Engineering, and has also taught classes for the British Colombia Institute of Technology. Tom has also written four books about wetland restoration and has received 44 awards for his outstanding contributions. Tom’s keynote address will discuss the practice of wetland restoration and the importance of reestablishing these vital habitats for people and wildlife, alike.

Photo courtesy of Thomas Biebighauser.

BRDC Vernal Pond Restoration Workshop- May 7-8th

Not only will Tom be presenting his keynote, but he will also be one of the joint leaders of a two-day Vernal Pond Restoration Workshop hosted at BRDC on May 7th and 8th. The other instructor will be Michael Hayslett, principal of Virginia Vernal Pools, LLC, who has spent his career studying and raising awareness for the conservation of vernal pools in Virginia. This workshop will teach participants how to design and restore wetlands that provide habitat for threatened and endangered species, amphibians, reptiles, and a diversity of birds. Attendees will discover how to select locations for building wetlands, test soil texture, determine groundwater elevation, choose appropriate construction techniques, work with heavy equipment operators, control erosion and non-native plants, and establish native plants. BRDC is so excited to host these two great minds during this special event. If you want more information on this opportunity or want to register visit this link- https://docs.google.com/document/d/1phX8u90Zm0_8J8iNAWYXJLp5Eod8c0lE/edit.

For more information on Tom Biebighauser and his wetland restoration practices, check out his website- https://www.wetlandrestorationandtraining.com/