Frequently asked questions

1. Who should attend? Anyone interested in the preservation and restoration of oak savanna and woodlands. This includes academics, land stewards, researchers, educators and members of the general public that want to learn more about these unique ecosystems.

2. Why have a conference for Midwest oak savannas and woodlands? We believe these ecosystems have their own unique characteristics and deserve their own focus. The rarity of these endangered ecosystems, compared to their original ranges and their rich biodiversity, present challenges to restoration and preservation. We hope to focus on those challenges at this conference and revive the conferences of the 1990’s. The last Midwest oak savanna conference was in 1997 in Madison , Wisconsin . There were four conferences in the 1990’s. See Previous Events link on previous page.

3. What will be accomplished at the conference? We hope to begin sharing ideas on how to better preserve and restore Midwest oak savanna and woodlands. We look to reinvigorate the ongoing discussion and build momentum for similar conferences in the future. As with many gatherings, often as much knowledge is gained in casual individual conversations as in the formal sessions. We plan to provide a forum to help foster those conversations. Respected speakers will provide information and guidance in the areas of preservation and restoration.

4. Who are the main sponsors of the conference? The Natural Resources Conservation Service is the main financial contributor. The Oak Openings Region of Northwest Ohio is primarily in the Maumee River watershed. The Maumee watershed is the largest watershed in the Great Lakes and has significant pollution problems mainly from sediment. The Oak Openings is the largest natural area in the watershed and plays a significant role in helping to improve water quality. Lourdes College has made a significant in–kind contribution of its facilities for four days. See the Sponsors page on this web site for a complete list of all of our sponsors.

5. Why have separate tracks for educators and the public? We think it is important to reach out to the local community to build support for preservation of these unique areas and to better utilize the great educational value of this natural resource in our own backyard. Preservation of these areas not only depends on decisions by land managers, but on land use decisions made by local communities, as well. By educating the school age children and adults we hope to build support for preservation of these unique areas.

6. Who organized this conference? The Green Ribbon Initiative’s steering committee and numerous subcommittees www.oakopen.org. These members are:

Rick Bryan Oak Openings Region Conservancy / GRI

Marya Czech Lourdes College

Jeff Grabarkiewicz Lucas Soil & Water Conservation District

Gary Haase The Nature Conservancy

Jan Hunter Green Ribbon Initiative

Karen Menard Metroparks of the Toledo Area

Pam Menchaca Wood County Park District

Dr. Helen Michaels Bowling Green State University

Cheryl Rice Natural Resources Conservation Service