Presenters, Artist and Other Festival Information ►◄►◄►◄►◄►◄►◄►◄►◄►◄

Thomas M. Gehring "Wolves in Northern Lower Michigan" Dr. Tom Gehring, CMU biologist, discusses the potential recolonization of the Northern Lower Peninsula by gray wolves. He identifies potential habitat and talks about the recent verified wolf reports and CMU’s winter track survey results. He also addresses some of the challenges of managing wolf-human conflict in Michigan and beyond.  Read more... Eldon Greij  "Becoming a Better Birder" and "Why Birds Don’t Ask for Directions" Whether you’re a beginning birdwatcher or a “power birder,” these programs are guaranteed to send your birding skills soaring.  Read more... James Harding "Michigan's Turtles - Can They Live Long and Prosper?" This presentation will feature live turtles and offer a unique window into the status of Michigan’s turtle species, interesting facts about their lives and their special survival skills.  Read more... Jenny Scullon  "Michigan's Valuable Wetlands" Jenny graduated from Michigan State University in May 2000 with a bachelor of science degree in zoology with a concentration in zoo and aquarium science. Along with her degree she received a specialization in environmental studies.  Read more... Bob Hargis "Birding Optics" Bob Hargis will relate the "Five Bs" of birding in his presentation on selecting and using binoculars, spotting scopes and other tools to help enhance your birding experience. Jim Finney Featured Artist Wildlife art - paintings and prints Jim Finney is a painter who specializes in wildlife and landscape paintings, working with acrylic on canvas. Jim’s paintings are of distinctly Michigan scenes; the colors and moods of the state come through in his work. Read more... Kimberli Bindschatel Featured Photographer Kimberli Bindschatel lives in Traverse City, Michigan with her husband, Ken, and their dogs, Kloe and Tucker. She owns Whisper in the Woods, Michigan's Nature Journal and specializes in nature and wildlife photography. Read more... Al Batt "Bird stories, humor and a few facts" Using his quick wit and humor, Al Batt will fill listeners with bird and wildlife trivia, (maybe even some bird truths) while explaining how birding has lowered his cholesterol, taken off excess fat, and reduced his mortgage. Read more... Mike DeCapita, Phil Huber & Jerry Weinrich "Warblers' World" The story of the Kirtland’s warbler and its comeback from near extinction. Read more... Whispering Pines Animal Kingdom Back by popular demand, the Whispering Pines Animal Kingdom is a traveling menagerie with a unique, hands-on style. Read more... Blue Water Ramblers This talented band performs throughout Saturday bringing you nature-themed folk songs of Michigan and America, lively quartet harmonies, some mighty wind and their usual tomfoolery. Read more... Karefree Ranch Horse-drawn nature tours.  Read more...