We’re excited to welcome Laura Johnson, Executive Director of Blackland Prairie Raptor Center, as our featured speaker at our upcoming January chapter meeting. Laura will overview of raptors to ensure we all share a strong baseline understanding of this important group of birds. From there, she’ll dive into the kinds of questions the public is most curious about, such as why raptors matter ecologically, why Red-tailed Hawks are so commonly seen along highways, why Cooper’s Hawks frequent backyard bird feeders, and which hawks are most common in the Metroplex. She’ll also address timely local topics, such as why it’s important to keep our distance from Bald Eagles at White Rock Lake, equipping members with compelling facts and explanations we can confidently share during outreach and education events.

The program will also focus on action and impact. Laura will explain how the public can help conserve raptor populations, highlight the critical rehabilitation and education work done at Blackland Prairie Raptor Center, and outline opportunities for volunteers to get involved. This talk will not only expand our knowledge of raptors, but also provide practical stories, insights, and guidance we can use to better connect the public to these remarkable birds and to the broader importance of conservation in North Texas.

SPEAKER BIO

Laura Johnson is a dynamic and versatile professional committed to surpassing expectations through an innovative mindset. As the Executive Director at the Blackland Prairie Raptor Center, Laura’s strategic leadership is instrumental in aligning the center’s goals with its mission and vision. She spearheads initiatives dedicated to raptor rehabilitation, prairie conservation, and education, ensuring the center remains at the forefront of its field.

In her pursuit of academic excellence, Laura is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Behavior Analysis from The Chicago School. She holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Texas Woman’s University and a Bachelor’s in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of North Texas.

Laura’s journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence, a passion for behavior modification, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact across diverse sectors. Her ability to navigate the intersections of wildlife conservation, corporate leadership, and community engagement sets her apart as a leader and influencer in her field.

Zoom Registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8v8Hg_dCRAeWuUlyxRUOsw#/registration

To Be posted Soon

If you are in the DFW area, join us in North Dallas at Dallas College Brookhaven Campus, Building H, Room 125.  (Brookhaven Campus map).

Schedule:
 6:30 Camera Roll and Socializing
 7:00 Introduction and Announcements
 7:20 Featured Presentation
 8:45 Adjournment

Bring Food and Snacks to share!