Arizona Monarch Tagging Events
2025-09-13 08:30 - 2025-10-11 10:00 (America/Phoenix)
Arizona Monarch Tagging Events — Fall 2025Hosted by the Southwest Monarch Study
Join the Southwest Monarch Study this fall for a series of free, RSVP-only monarch tagging events across Arizona! Volunteers will help tag migrating monarchs as they head toward their overwintering grounds. Space is limited to 15 participants per event, so early registration is encouraged.

Saturday, September 13, 2025 – Canelo, AZ8:30 AM – 11:00 AMTag early-fall migrating monarchs feeding on native thistles, sunflowers, and asters.
Sunday, September 21, 2025 – Cornville, AZ8:30 AM – 10:30 AMFlagstaff Festival of Science event. Tag monarchs in a sunflower field. Registration opens September 1.
Wednesday, September 24, 2025 – Cornville, AZ3:30 PM – 5:00 PMSecond Flagstaff Festival of Science event in Cornville. Same details as September 21. Registration opens September 1.
Saturday, October 11, 2025 – Scottsdale Community College8:00 AM – 10:00 AMDetails to be announced soon.

What to Know Before You Go

RSVP required by emailing info@swmonarchs.org

Events limited to 15 participants each

All participants must complete a liability/photo release form (download from swmonarchs.org or fill out onsite)

Bring sturdy, water-safe shoes (no sandals), long pants, long sleeves, hat, sunscreen, water, snacks, and a sack lunch

Most events last 2–3 hours and start promptly in the morning

Children over 8 welcome if accompanied by an adult

Learn More & RegisterVisit swmonarchs.org/upcoming-events.php for full details and forms.

Wildlife Extravaganza on Tumamoc Hill
2025-09-27 09:00 - 11:00 | Tumamoc Hill, 1675 W. Anklam Rd, Tucson
The Arizona Chapter of The Wildlife Society will be tabling at the Wildlife Extravaganza on Tumamoc Hill! Stop by our table to meet us, learn about what we do, and connect with others passionate about Arizona’s wildlife.

This free event will feature kids’ activities, games, and giveaways: fun for the whole family!
We hope to see you there!

2025 AZFO Annual Meeting
2025-10-04 08:00 - 21:00 | Mesa Community College, 1833 W Southern Ave, Mesa, Arizona, 85202
Overview
Join fellow bird enthusiasts and conservation professionals at the AZFO Annual Meeting! This is a vibrant gathering featuring presentations, field trips, workshops, and social networking opportunities. Key events include:

Engaging Presentations & Workshops: Share insights, hear from researchers, and learn new techniques.

Field Trips: Explore Arizona’s unique bird habitats firsthand.

Networking & Social Events: Connect with peers and build community around shared passions.

Why Attend?

Connect: Immerse yourself among like-minded individuals passionate about Arizona’s avian diversity.

Learn & Grow: Gain fresh perspectives from expert-led presentations and hands-on field experiences.

Support Youth Involvement: Don’t miss the youth scholarships, which enable early-career birders to participate

Map Your Participation: Submit abstracts for presentations by September 2 AZFO.

Tickets & Registration
Visit the AZFO ticketing page to learn more about registration and secure your attendance:2025 AZFO Annual Meeting at MCC – Ticketing

The Wildlife Society 32nd Annual Conference – Edmonton, Alberta
2025-10-05 - 2025-10-08 | Edmonton Convention Center, 9797 Jasper Ave, Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 1N9, Canada
Explore the full program and details: TWS Conference Website

Main Events

Opening Plenary – “Braiding Knowledge Systems”: A compelling start to the conference that weaves together diverse perspectives in wildlife conservation.

“Wings of Survival” Keynote Event

Hear from Leanna Carriere, co-founder of Wings of Survival, on her unprecedented 30,000 km unmotorized expedition from the High Arctic to Patagonia—an inspiring story of endurance and bird migration.

Immersive Quiet Sessions

A unique, distraction-reduced learning format—audiences listen via headsets, enabling focus and networking in parallel.

Community Birding Challenge

Participate from September 20 through October 5 using the Birda app. Top birders—and one lucky random participant present at Wings of Survival—could win Vortex binoculars!

Other Highlights

Symposia on Hot Topics in Wildlife ScienceYou’ll find sessions ranging from avian influenza and adaptive management to rewilding, fire’s impact on ecosystems, biodiversity conservation, One Health approaches, and more.

Professional Development & Networking

Student-professional mixers, receptions by working groups, and a special closing event co-hosted with the North American Society for Bat Research.

Resume reviews, “Careers with…” panels, certification aid, and a Student Leaders lunch (by invitation)—a great opportunity to grow professionally.

Discover Edmonton

The setting? Edmonton—named a Top 10 city to visit by Lonely Planet in 2025, with thriving Indigenous culture, art, cuisine, and festivals to explore.

Ready to Dive In?
Click below to explore the full schedule, register, view available travel grants, and plan your conference experience.
TWS Annual Conference – Full Details & Registration

Volunteer with Desert Fence Busters!
2025-11-14 07:00 - 2026-02-06 12:00
Help Remove Old Fences and Restore Wildlife Connectivity
Join the Desert Fence Busters collaborative this season to help improve landscape connectivity for Arizona’s wildlife! Volunteers will head out into the desert to remove legacy fencing that blocks wildlife movement and fragment habitats. This hands-on effort supports a wide range of desert species and helps restore natural corridors across southern Arizona.
This project is a collaborative effort led by Friends of Ironwood Forest and BKW, with support from the Arizona Game and Fish Department, Arizona Wildlife Federation, Bureau of Reclamation, City of Tucson, Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection, Friends of Buenos Aires NWR, Pima County, Saguaro National Park, Tucson Audubon Society, and other partners.
Upcoming 2025–2026 Project Dates

Friday, November 14, 2025 — Hurst
Saturday, December 6, 2025 — Trust 205 (Pima County)
Friday, January 23, 2026 — SAVSARP
Friday, February 6, 2026 — Empirita Ranch (Pima County)

Time: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM (5-hour shift)Spots available: Limited for each date—sign up soon!Requirements: All volunteers must complete a Volunteer Registration Form prior to participating.
This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in wildlife conservation, landscape restoration, or hands-on fieldwork. Come ready to work outdoors, meet like-minded conservationists, and make a tangible impact on Arizona’s desert ecosystems.
Learn more and register here: https://volunteer.azgfd.gov/need/detail/?need_id=1146343

Range 101 Workshop
2025-11-20 09:00 - 2025-12-20 16:30 | Deep Well Ranch, 8400 N. State Route 89, Prescott, 86301, United States
Join the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension for a Range 101 Workshop, a full-day introduction to rangeland management. This workshop is designed for new producers, agency personnel, and anyone interested in learning about how ecological sites influence forage and vegetation communities, how to monitor rangelands, and how to manage grazing sustainably.
Date: November 20, 2025Location: Deep Well Ranch, 8400 N. State Route 89, Prescott, AZ 86301
Agenda Highlights:

Applying the Art of Range Management

Plant & Livestock Nutrition and Physiology

Ecological Site Descriptions

Range Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring

Drought Management & Plant Responses to Grazing

Time: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PMLunch provided (sponsored by Chino Winds and Triangle NRCDs).
Register here: https://forms.gle/8cZj9sEUWnEQvYbv8Walk-ins are welcome, but pre-registration helps ensure an accurate lunch count.
Contact:Jacob Hennig, Assistant Extension Specialistjhennig@arizona.edu

JAM 2026
2026-02-05 - 2026-02-07 | Hilton Sedona Resort At Bell Rock, 90 Ridge Trail Dr, Sedona, AZ, 86351, United States
Registration is officially open for the 2026 Joint Annual Meeting (JAM) of the Arizona and New Mexico Chapters of The Wildlife Society and the Arizona/New Mexico Chapter of the American Fisheries Society (AZ/NM AFS)!
This year’s meeting is hosted by AZ/NM AFS, with both state chapters of TWS supporting.
📅 Dates: February 5–7, 2026
📍 Location: Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock, Sedona, AZ
🎯 Theme: “Staying Relevant While Managing Fish and Wildlife”
This year’s JAM will bring together biologists, managers, students, and partners from across the Southwest to share research, discuss current issues, and strengthen collaboration in fish and wildlife conservation.
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🧭 What to Expect

Plenary and technical sessions covering a wide range of wildlife and fisheries topics
Workshops and skill-building sessions
Student events, resume and interview support, and networking opportunities
Awards recognizing excellence in conservation, management, and education
Socials, mixers, and the beautiful red rock views of Sedona

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🎓 Thursday Workshops – February 5
We’re offering three professional development workshops before the main conference begins.
Piscicide Workshop — $20, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Learn about piscicide use in fisheries management, including application methods, compliance, and real-world case studies. Licensed applicators can earn Continuing Education (CE) credits through the Arizona and New Mexico Departments of Agriculture.
Trapping Matters Workshop — Free, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Gain a better understanding of the ecological, social, and management roles of regulated trapping. Learn communication skills, review Best Management Practices (BMPs), and participate in hands-on demonstrations.
Resume Building & Practice Interviews — Free, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Start with a short presentation on resume and interview tips, then sign up for an optional 15-minute resume review or 30-minute mock interview (available in-person or virtually). Sign-up times will be provided after registration.
👉 See the Workshop Descriptions for full details.
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📢 Call for Papers – First Call Abstracts Due December 15, 2025
Abstracts are now being accepted for oral and poster presentations.

Presentations: 15 minutes + 5 minutes for questions
Posters: up to 32″ × 44″, portrait or landscape
Topics: research, management, and conservation of aquatic or terrestrial species in the Southwest
Student awards available for both oral and poster categories

Special fisheries sessions this year include:

Sportfish Management in Arizona and New Mexico
Fish Habitat Management and Restoration in Arizona and New Mexico

For full instructions, formatting, and submission contacts, please review the First Call for Papers.
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🏆 AZTWS Awards – Nominations Now Open!
AZTWS is now accepting nominations for our 2026 Chapter Awards. These awards honor outstanding contributions to wildlife conservation, research, education, service, and leadership in Arizona.
AZTWS Award Categories:

Doug Morrison Award
Professional Service Award (Professional Wildlifer Award)
Conservation Award (Non-Professional)
Scrapping Bear Award
Roger Hungerford Student Award
Tribal Conservationist Award
Outstanding service to the Chapter Award
David E. Brown Lifetime Achievement Award

👉 Full Award Descriptions here
🗓 Nomination deadline: January 15th, 2026
📧 Submit nominations to: thomas.s.correll@usda.gov
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🏨 Registration & Lodging
Register Now: Click here to register
Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock – Room Blocks:

General Room Block
Government Rate Room Block (for eligible attendees)

Booking your stay within the JAM room block directly supports the chapters and helps keep future conference costs low.
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We can’t wait to see everyone in Sedona this February! It’s always one of the best opportunities to connect with professionals and students across Arizona and New Mexico who share a passion for wildlife and fisheries conservation.
Additionally, feel free to share this information with colleagues, peers, or anyone who might be interested.
If you have any questions about registration, abstracts, or lodging, feel free to reach out by replying to this email.
See you at JAM 2026!

Tumamoc Author Series: Theresa Crimmins – Phenology
2026-03-11 18:00 - 19:00 | Boat House on Tummmoc Hill, 1675 W. Anklam Rd
Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2026Time: 6:00 PMLocation: Tumamoc Hill Boathouse (base of Tumamoc Hill)1675 W. Anklam Rd.Tucson, AZ
Join the Desert Laboratory on Tumamoc Hill for the next Tumamoc Author Series, featuring Theresa Crimmins, Director of the USA National Phenology Network and Associate Professor at the University of Arizona.
The Tumamoc Author Series is a collaboration between the Desert Laboratory on Tumamoc Hill, the Southwest Center, and the University of Arizona Press. Each season, authors whose work explores the landscapes, cultures, and ecology of the Southwest are invited to share their perspectives in conversation with the community.
At this event, Crimmins will discuss themes from her new book Phenology (MIT Press, 2025). Phenology is the study of the timing of life cycle events in plants and animals; examples include leaf-out, flowering, and migration. Crimmins will explore what these seasonal rhythms can tell us about ecosystem health, climate change, and our own relationship with the natural world. Her talk will highlight how observing nature’s patterns can deepen our connection to place while contributing valuable information to climate science.
Crimmins will be joined in conversation by Dr. Elise Gornish, Director of the Desert Laboratory on Tumamoc Hill.
Those interested can also watch Crimmins’ TEDx talk: Observing the Outer World to Change Our Inner One.
RSVP HERE.
Parking Information
Street parking is available along Anklam Road or in the lot located at the corner of Anklam Road and Silverbell Road.Please note that event parking is not available on Tumamoc Hill.

Arizona Game and Fish Department Outdoor Expo
2026-03-28 09:00 - 2026-03-29 15:00 | Ben Avery Shooting Facility, 4044 W Black Canyon Blvd, Phoenix, AZ, 85086, United States
Dates: March 28–29, 2026Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (both days)Location: Ben Avery Shooting Facility, Phoenix, ArizonaCost: Free admission and parking
Event SummaryThe Arizona Game and Fish Department Outdoor Expo is Arizona’s largest hands-on outdoor and conservation event. Held annually at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility, the Expo brings together wildlife conservation, outdoor recreation, education, and family-friendly activities in one place.
Attendees can explore wildlife exhibits, conservation education booths, outdoor recreation demonstrations, and interactive activities such as youth fishing tanks and hands-on learning stations. The event features a wide range of exhibitors, including conservation organizations, government agencies, and outdoor recreation groups, making it a great opportunity to learn more about Arizona’s wildlife, habitats, and outdoor opportunities.
Why Attend

Learn about Arizona wildlife and conservation programs
Explore careers, internships, and educational opportunities in natural resources
Connect with agencies, organizations, and outdoor professionals
Family-friendly event with hands-on activities

See website for more info

2026 Wildlife Techniques Workshop
2026-04-11 08:00 - 17:00 | Horseshoe Ranch, 34.261707, -112.057074
The Arizona Chapter of The Wildlife Society is hosting a hands-on Wildlife Techniques Workshop for students and young professionals. This one-day learning opportunity will provide exposure to a variety of field techniques used in wildlife management, taught by professionals from agencies and organizations across Arizona!
Date: April 11, 2026Location: Horseshoe RanchCost: Free (a $6 AZTWS annual membership is requested)
This workshop will include a full day of training from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with additional activities such as bat mist netting after dark and potential Sunday morning sessions. Camping is permitted and encouraged on Friday and Saturday nights, offering opportunities to connect with wildlife professionals.
Participants will gain hands-on experience with techniques such as:

Wildlife capture methods (Sherman traps, clover traps, etc.)
Darting and net gun applications
Bat identification and mist netting
Radio telemetry and GPS tracking

Space is limited to 60 participants. RSVP by April 3rd to secure your spot.
For questions, contact Holly Hicks at 623-236-7499 or hhicks@azgfd.gov.
See pdf below for addition details
2026 Announcement Save the Date

Navajo Nation Bioblitz
2026-04-24 - 2026-04-26
The Navajo Natural Heritage Program is hosting the 1st Annual Navajo Nation Bioblitz as part of the City Nature Challenge!
Event Details:

Dates: April 24–26, 2026
Location: Across the Navajo Nation (with in-person activities at Asaayi Lake)

This event focuses on documenting biodiversity across Diné Bikéyah and is open to all experience levels.
Ways to Participate:

In-person (Asaayi Lake):

Guided field surveys, nature exploration, and optional camping
Registration required by April 17 (limited space)

Anywhere on Navajo Nation:

Submit observations using the iNaturalist app
No registration required

Participants will contribute observations through iNaturalist as part of the global City Nature Challenge, helping document and showcase biodiversity across the Navajo Nation!
See the flyer below for registration details and additional information.

City Nature Challenge 2026
2026-04-24 - 2026-04-27
Join the Greater Phoenix community for the 2026 City Nature Challenge, a global citizen science event that invites anyone—regardless of scientific training—to document local wildlife and contribute to real scientific research.
During this four-day event, participants across the Phoenix Metro area will record observations of plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms using the iNaturalist app. Cities around the world compete in a fun, friendly challenge to see who can document the most observations and species. The data collected help scientists study biodiversity and better understand our natural world!
How to Participate

Download the iNaturalist app and create an account.
Join the Greater Phoenix CNC Project.
Start observing wildlife anywhere in the Greater Phoenix area between April 24–27.

Whether you’re hiking, birding, botanizing, or simply exploring your neighborhood, your observations count.
Double Your Impact
April is Citizen Science Month. Participants are encouraged to connect their iNaturalist account to SciStarter to earn credit, explore additional projects, and help measure the collective impact of citizen science. By linking accounts, all your observations automatically count toward broader citizen science goal
Download the Flyer Below for more information!
PhxCNC_Postcard2026.pdf

Grasslands Wildlife Area pond construction
2026-04-27 - 2026-05-17 | Grasslands Wildlife Area
Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy, in partnership with Arizona Game and Fish Department and Wetland Restoration Training LLC, is asking for volunteers to help enhance and restore several ponds on the White Mountain Grasslands Wildlife Area near Springerville in eastern Arizona. We will be improving six ponds across the Wildlife Area by installing a lining in the bottoms, which will increase the water availability and permanence to benefit native species such as Chiricahua leopard frogs, Little Colorado River spinedace, and pronghorn.

The requested labor includes removing rocks from the dry pond bottoms, placing and securing liners, and reseeding banks afterwards. Volunteers will be needed April 27- May 17, 2026, but most assistance will be needed during Thursday-Saturday of each week (Apr 30-May 2, May 7-9, and May 14-16). Tools such as shovels, rakes, and work gloves will be provided, but feel free to bring your own if you have them.

On-site camping is available for free at Grasslands Wildlife Area (bring your own camping gear) for volunteers assisting with the project. Camping will be primitive, with a portable toilet available for use, but no showers or other facilities are guaranteed. For those who prefer lodging, please check hotels in nearby Springerville.

If you are interested in volunteering, please visit tinyurl.com/Grasslands-Restoration, or use the QR code below for the sign up form.

Please contact Becca at bcozad@ARCProtects.org with any questions!

Left, volunteers clearing a pond bottom of debris. Right, volunteers placing pond liner

Flashing Firefly Trainings
2026-06-17 18:00 - 2026-06-25 20:00
Interested in learning more about flashing fireflies and how to survey for them? Several training opportunities will be offered this summer, each featuring both a classroom and field portion.
These trainings will cover firefly basics, firefly identification, and the Firefly Atlas survey protocol and data sheet. Each training is limited to 30 attendees.
Please bring a headlamp with a red light if you have one. A few extras will be available for the evening if needed.
Training Dates and Locations
June 17, 2026Beaver Creek Public Library, Rimrock6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
June 18, 2026Red Rock Ranger District, Sedona5:30 PM to 8:00 PMThis training begins slightly earlier to allow for drive time to the field site.
June 24, 2026Verde Villages Community Connection4855 Broken Saddle Dr, Cottonwood6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
June 25, 2026Verde Ranger District Office, Camp Verde6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Additional details will be sent closer to the training dates. Once a training fills, it will be marked as full and participants may choose to join a waitlist.
Sign up here:https://bit.ly/2026FireflyTraining

NAFWS Southwest Regional Conference
2026-08-17 - 2026-08-20 | Desert Diamond Casino, 9431 W Northern Ave, Glendale, AZ, 85305, United States
Organization: Native American Fish and Wildlife Society (NAFWS)Host Tribe: Tohono O’odham NationDates: August 17–20, 2026Location: Desert Diamond Casino & Entertainment, Tucson, AZ
Event Overview
The Native American Fish and Wildlife Society (NAFWS) invites Tribal fish and wildlife professionals, students, researchers, conservation law enforcement officers, agency partners, and community members to attend the 2026 Southwest Regional Conference in Tucson, Arizona.
Hosted by the Tohono O’odham Nation, this year’s conference theme is:
“Carrying the Wisdom Forward: Honoring Legacy and Innovation.”
The four-day conference brings together natural resource professionals from across the Southwest to share research, strengthen partnerships, explore emerging technologies, and celebrate Tribal leadership in fish and wildlife conservation.
Registration
Registration Rates

NAFWS Member: $250 Early Bird | $325 Regular
Non-Member: $300 Early Bird | $375 Regular (includes membership)
Student: $125 Early Bird | $150 Regular (includes membership)

Registration closes on August 10, 2026. Additional registration and lodging information are available on the conference website.
Conference Highlights
Attendees can expect four days of professional development and networking, including:

Technical presentations from Tribal, state, federal, academic, and nonprofit professionals
Concurrent sessions covering wildlife management, habitat restoration, invasive species, wildlife health, GIS, conservation technology, and Tribal stewardship
Professional workshops and hands-on training opportunities
Conservation Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO) training and competitions
Student poster presentations
Exhibitor and vendor hall
Southwest Regional Business Meeting
Welcome social, networking events, and a traditional feast hosted by the Tohono O’odham Nation
Closing banquet, awards ceremony, silent auction, and raffle

Featured Topics
This year’s program includes presentations and discussions on a wide range of conservation issues, including:

Wildlife connectivity and habitat restoration
Threatened and endangered species management
Wildlife health and disease
GIS, drones, AI, and emerging conservation technologies
Climate change and natural resource management
Sonoran pronghorn recovery
Black-footed ferret conservation
Borderlands wildlife conservation
Tribal conservation partnerships and stewardship

A variety of optional workshops, field tours, and networking events are also scheduled throughout the conference. Be sure to view the full conference agenda for complete details and workshop descriptions.
Learn More & Register
For registration, lodging information, the complete conference agenda, workshop descriptions, and additional event details, visit the official conference webpage:
https://www.nafws.org/event-details/southwest-regional-conference

Track & Sign Certification Course at Cuenca Los Ojos
2026-09-29 - 2026-10-02 | Cuenca Los Ojos, Sonora, Mexico
Organization: Cuenca Los Ojos & CyberTracker North AmericaDates: September 29 – October 2, 2026Location: Cuenca Los Ojos Conservation Reserve, Sonora, Mexico
Event Overview
Looking to strengthen your wildlife tracking skills while exploring one of North America’s most unique conservation landscapes?
This fall, Cuenca Los Ojos is hosting the first CyberTracker Track & Sign Certification Course in Mexico. Held at the 50,000-hectare Cuenca Los Ojos Conservation Reserve in the Sky Islands region of Sonora, this immersive field course offers participants the opportunity to earn a professional wildlife tracking certification while learning from experienced conservation practitioners.
Participants will gain hands-on experience identifying tracks and sign from mammals, birds, reptiles, and invertebrates while learning more about wildlife behavior, movement, and ecological monitoring. The reserve is one of the only places in the world where beaver, bison, jaguar, and ocelot share the same landscape, making it an exceptional setting for wildlife education and conservation.
Course Highlights

Earn a CyberTracker Track & Sign Certification
Learn wildlife tracking techniques from experienced instructors
Improve field observation and wildlife monitoring skills
Experience conservation and ecological restoration in the Sky Islands region
Network with researchers, conservation professionals, educators, and wildlife enthusiasts
Explore one of the most biodiverse landscapes in the U.S.–Mexico borderlands

Registration Options
Several registration packages are available, including certification-only and lodging/meal packages.

$580 – Certification + 3 nights lodging + 8 meals
$540 – Certification + 2 nights lodging + 7 meals
$510 – Certification + 1 night lodging + 6 meals
$400 – Certification only

Additional Information
Participants should expect rustic accommodations, remote field conditions, and limited cell service. Medical forms and waivers are required, and additional travel recommendations are available through the organizers.
For registration details and additional information, please see the attached event flyer below.
Cuenca Los Ojos Track and Sign Fall Course

OFWIM 2026 Annual Conference & Business Meeting
2026-10-05 - 2026-10-08 | Virden Center (University of Deleware Campus), 1155 College Dr, Lewes, DE, 19958, United States
Event Details

Organization: Organization of Fish and Wildlife Information Managers (OFWIM)
Location: Virden Retreat Center, University of Delaware – Lewes, Delaware
Dates: October 5–8, 2026

Event Overview
Registration is now open for the 34th Annual Organization of Fish and Wildlife Information Managers (OFWIM) Conference & Business Meeting.
This year’s conference theme, “Anchor Points: Keeping Conservation Grounded in Data Integrity,” reflects OFWIM’s mission of promoting the management and conservation of natural resources through technology and information exchange.
OFWIM is comprised of professionals representing state and federal agencies, local governments, academia, and private firms who work to advance fish and wildlife information management.
Conference Opportunities

Registration is now open
Call for Abstracts is now open
Student Scholarship opportunities are available
Travel Grant information is available
Annual Conference & Business Meeting

Learn More
For conference registration, abstract submissions, travel grant applications, student scholarship information, and additional event details, visit:
https://ofwim.com/events

Mojave Desert Tortoise Introductory Course and Workshop
2026-10-23 - 2026-10-24
Organization: Desert Tortoise Council Dates: Online Lectures: October 23–24, 2026 | Field Workshop: November 1 or November 2, 2026 Location: Online (Zoom) & Ridgecrest, California

Event Overview

Registration is now open for the 2026 Introduction to the Mojave Desert Tortoise Course, offered by the Desert Tortoise Council. This introductory training is designed for wildlife professionals, students, natural resource specialists, land managers, and anyone interested in learning more about Mojave desert tortoise biology, ecology, and field survey techniques.

The course combines two live online lecture sessions with a required one-day field workshop, providing participants with both classroom instruction and hands-on experience. While completion of the course does not grant authorization or permits, it is widely recognized as valuable training for those pursuing desert tortoise survey and monitoring work.

Course Highlights

Learn Mojave desert tortoise biology, ecology, habitat, and conservation

Gain an introduction to desert tortoise survey techniques and field protocols

Learn about permitting requirements and agency authorizations

Participate in a hands-on field workshop in Ridgecrest, California

Practice identifying desert tortoise sign and conducting survey transects

Receive a certificate upon successful completion of the lectures, quiz, field workshop, and course evaluation

Schedule

Online Lecture Sessions (Live via Zoom)

Friday, October 23 (12:00–5:00 PM PDT)

Saturday, October 24 (9:00 AM–2:00 PM PDT)

Field Workshop (Choose One)

Sunday, November 1 OR

Monday, November 2

Registration

Early registration rates are available through September 1.

Early Regular: $400

Early Student: $250

After September 1:

Regular: $500

Student: $300

Registration includes both online lecture sessions and one field workshop day. Lecture-only audit options are also available.

Additional Information

This course is ideal for individuals interested in desert tortoise conservation, environmental consulting, natural resource management, and wildlife field work. Whether you’re new to working with desert tortoises or looking to strengthen your understanding of survey methods and species ecology, this course provides valuable foundational training!

For questions, please email intro-course@deserttortoise.org

For more information and registration, please visit https://deserttortoise.org/training-programs/introductory-course/
