Welcome to the 49th Annual Waterbird Conference!

Join us in Traverse City—one of the Midwest’s most unforgettable destinations! Nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan, this vibrant city blends rich Anishinaabe heritage with breathtaking natural beauty and a thriving food and wine scene.

Explore freshwater beaches, winding rivers, lush forests, and the awe-inspiring Sleeping Bear Dunes—voted “The Most Beautiful Place in America” by Good Morning America. As the “Cherry Capital of the World,” Traverse City is also a hub for agritourism, offering orchards, vineyards, and award-winning wineries, all thriving along the 45th parallel.

Food lovers will be in heaven—this city ranks among the nation’s top foodie towns, with everything from gourmet farm-to-table dining to creative food trucks.

With a walkable downtown, easy access to outdoor adventures, and a unique cultural pulse, Traverse City is the perfect setting for inspiration, connection, and discovery.

We can’t wait to welcome you!



If you’d like to introduce yourself, post announcements, or organize room- or transportation-sharing ahead of the meeting, check out our new Discord Server! 

DISCORD​​​


Schedule-at-a-Glance

 

TimeMonday 9/29/2025Tuesday 9/30/2025Wednesday 10/1/2025Thursday 10/2/2025Friday 10/3/2025
8:00 - 8:30 - Council Meeting

- Waterbird Plan Round Table
AnnouncementsAnnouncementsAnnouncementsFIELD TRIPS
8:30 - 9:30 Plenary - Francie CuthbertPlenary - Chip WeslohPlenary - David Duffy
9:30 - 10:00 BREAKBREAKBREAK
10:00 - 12:00 Rail SymposiumCWB SymposiumBreeding BiologyCommon Tern SymposiumHabitat & Distribution
Piping Plover SymposiumMovement & BehaviorContaminants & Disease
12:00 - 1:00 LUNCHONSITE LUNCHONSITE LUNCHONSITE LUNCH
Student Mentoring Lunch
1:00 - 3:00- Council Meeting

 - Waterbird Plan Round Table
Rail SymposiumCWB SymposiumWorkshopCommon Tern SymposiumHabitat & Distribution
Piping Plover SymposiumMovement & BehaviorContaminants & Disease
3:00 - 3:30 BREAKBREAKBREAK
3:30 - 5:00 Rail SymposiumPopulation BiologyWorkshopCommon Tern SymposiumConservation & Restoration
Piping Plover Symposium
4:30


Business Meeting
6:00 - 8:00 Welcome ReceptionPoster SessionStudent SocialBanquet


Conference Dates


Sep 29, 2025
Oct 03, 2025
Add to Calendar 20250929T0001 20251003T2359 The Waterbird Society Meeting 2025 Join us in Traverse City—one of the Midwest’s most unforgettable destinations! Nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan, this vibrant city blends rich Anishinaabe heritage with breathtaking natural beauty and a thriving food and wine scene.
Explore freshwater beaches, winding rivers, lush forests, and the awe-inspiring Sleeping Bear Dunes—voted “The Most Beautiful Place in America” by Good Morning America. As the “Cherry Capital of the World,” Traverse City is also a hub for agritourism, offering orchards, vineyards, and award-winning wineries, all thriving along the 45th parallel.
Food lovers will be in heaven—this city ranks among the nation’s top foodie towns, with everything from gourmet farm-to-table dining to creative food trucks.
With a walkable downtown, easy access to outdoor adventures, and a unique cultural pulse, Traverse City is the perfect setting for inspiration, connection, and discovery.
We can’t wait to welcome you!


If you...
https://wbs2025meeting.dryfta.com/
Traverse City, MI The Waterbird Society Meeting 2025 Rachael_Pierce@fws.gov

Traverse City Photo Gallery