Webinar: AZA SAFE Monarch: Engagement and Conservation in Zoo and Aquariums

Join the Monarch Joint Venture for our monthly Monarch Conservation Webinar Series presented by Travis Kurtz, Community Science Coordinator at John Ball Zoo and Lauren Barczak, Curator of Conservation Education & Jen Klotz, Community Engagement Specialist at Brandywine Zoo.

Title: I’m Holding out for a (habitat) Hero

Presenter: Travis Kurtz, Community Science Coordinator, John Ball Zoo

Description: This presentation, from John Ball Zoo, will talk about using native plant giveaways as a replicable model for augmenting urban pollinator habitat, and as a gateway to engaging our local communities in pollinator conservation.

Bio: Travis is the Community Science Coordinator at the John Ball Zoo, where he administers a variety of community-based science and conservation projects. His largest project is Habitat Hero, which aims to improve urban pollinator habitat by giving away native plants, and engaging community members in pollinator conservation. Prior to being the Community Science Coordinator, Travis worked as a zookeeper at the John Ball Zoo for just over two years, primarily with the reptile and amphibian collection. His experience with community science extends back to his participation in community science projects as a teen.

Title: Small but Mighty: Creating Change for Monarchs in Small Zoos and Aquariums

Presenters: Lauren Barczak (she/her), Curator of Conservation Education & Jen Klotz (she/her), Community Engagement Specialist

Description: Even the smallest institutions can inspire monumental conservation action for monarchs through community engagement! This presentation will discuss models for events and programs that institutions of any size can utilize, highlighting the Brandywine Zoo’s successful Mighty Monarch Day event, participation in Symbolic Migration, citizen science efforts, and more!

Bio: Lauren is the Curator of Conservation Education at the Brandywine Zoo, where she is responsible for overseeing the zoo's educational programs and conservation initiatives. Prior to her work at the Brandywine Zoo, she worked as a Conservation Education Presenter at Disney's Animal Kingdom and was a Lead Interpretive Naturalist at Delaware State Parks.

Jen is the Community Engagement Specialist at Brandywine Zoo, which has her connecting to the public through new programming, outreach opportunities, and community science. Her career thus far has included laboratory work at Corning, Inc. and marine life rescue on Long Island through the Riverhead Foundation. Most recently, Jen worked at Virginia Aquarium while also volunteering at Virginia Zoo.