No. Sorry fans of Toy Story, this is not about Buzz Lightyear. The title is actually the theme of this years Ohio Natural History Conference. In the past few decades, microbiology, genetics and the human genome and related high technology saturated areas have commanded central stage in much biology. Some folks have even poo-poohed “natural history” as not even true science. This attitude has at times prevailed despite the fact that ecology, life histories, behavioral studies, collections, taxonomy and distribution surveys are critical to species conservation.
In recent years, that has begun to change as more and more research has recognized the need to utilize all tools to study our natural heritage. This year’s Ohio Natural History Conference will focus on new technologies that supplement the collection of field data, identification of species, and the conservation of biological diversity. Now you can use the latest technology in the study of natural history combining the fun of field work (lots of hard, sweaty work there yet) with nerdy electronics that make the work more meaningful, or easier, more quickly shared, or all of the above. Presentations at this conference will highlight who is doing what with new technologies.
I am especially excited and proud that the conference is being held at the Ohio Historical Society’s main headquarters and museum in Columbus. There is even time in the schedule to view some of our exhibits like the Nature of Ohio exhibits, the relatively new archaeology exhibit, Following in Ancient Footsteps, or the brand new Faces of Appalachia photographic exhibits from the 1890s.
The Ohio Natural History Conference is presented by the Ohio Biological Survey with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife. It will be on Saturday, February 23, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Bob Glotzhober
Senior Curator of Natural History
