The in-person portion of the meeting will be held at the Academy of Natural Sciences, BEES classroom (3rd floor).

Meeting agenda:
7:15 PM:  Zoom opens
7:30-8 PM: Club business
8 PM:  Presentation followed by questions (might start earlier if club business finishes earlier).

Please register for the meeting whether you will be attending in person or via Zoom. Then watch for the meeting link in your email. Disregard the meeting link if you will be attending in person.

Register here via Zoom

Rooted in Research: The Mission of Wild Bird Research Group

Speaker: Ian Gray (in-person)

The Wild Bird Research Group is a non-profit organization founded by three close friends with a shared commitment to advancing bird conservation and understanding the ecological systems birds rely on. Over the past 15 years, that commitment has evolved into a research‑driven conservation organization grounded in local fieldwork and producing broader ecological impact. Through community engagement, data collection, and long-term monitoring studies, Wild Bird Research Group advances bird conservation and emphasizes its critical role in ecosystems across New Jersey, North Carolina, and Central America.

—

lan Gray
Field Ecologist, Natural Resources Manager
B.A., Ecology and Naturalist Education, The College of New Jersey 2020
Ian has been with the Wild Bird Research Group for over eight years, with a journey that began in 2018 as a data recorder at our Fiddlers Creek songbird research station. Since then, he’s grown into a pivotal role as Field Ecologist; guiding technician training, advancing research, and bringing a welcoming presence to every outreach event.
By day, Ian serves as a Natural Resources Manager for the U.S. Army Garrison at Picatinny Arsenal, where he oversees land stewardship and ensures compliance with the Endangered Species Act and Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Ian’s ability to balance his federal position while maintaining commitment to Wild Bird Research Group initiatives is a testament to his dedication to protecting birds and their habitats. His work bridges science, education, and community, making him not only a savvy ecologist but also a trusted friend and advocate for the wild birds we all cherish.