"Creating a network to build bird habitat" -Joanna Demas (in-person)

Joanna Demas joined the Lake Michigan Bird Observatory team in 2023 as Director of Conservation and Partnerships. Joanna oversees the Neighborhood Habitat Improvement Project (NHIP), a key initiative focused on improving residential habitat for birds and other wildlife in the Lake Michigan Basin, enhancing suburban stream water quality, and advancing scientific understanding of urbanization’s impact on birds. The program also seeks to build a network of engaged and knowledgeable community scientists. Join us to discover how you can get involved in NHIP and how the Observatory’s new partnership with Bird City Wisconsin will amplify its conservation impact.

Joanna was formerly the Land Trust and Community Impact Director with the River Revitalization Foundation where she led land stewardship and restoration initiatives, managed volunteers, and oversaw an internship program for emerging conservationists. Passionate about community engagement, Joanna is dedicated to fostering partnerships that enhance conservation efforts. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a concentration in environmental studies from Edgewood University in Madison and also serves on the board of directors for the Southeastern Wisconsin Invasive Species Consortium (SEWISC).