2026 Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival Keynotes

Weds. Jan. 21, 6:00pm; $20

The Relationship Between Science and Bird Conservation Over the Decades; Lessons from Archbold Biological Station

Join Dr. Hilary Swain, Executive Director Emerita of Archbold Biological Station, as she opens the 27th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival with an inspiring look at Florida’s extraordinary biodiversity. She draws from decades of research at Archbold, in the heartland of Florida,  focusing on birds and their habitats.  Dr. Swain shares how science has driven conservation and stewardship and, in turn, how conservation and the needs of stewardship have driven science and scientists. She reflects on the interplay between scientists and community and how this has changed over time, revealing her aspirations for this enduring relationship as a critical driver for conserving Florida’s birds and wild places for generations to come.

About Hilary Swain, Ph.D., Executive Director Emerita, Archbold Biological Station

Dr. Hilary Swain served from 1995-2025 as the Executive Director of Archbold Biological Station in Venus, Florida. where she led one of the nation’s premier field stations dedicated to science, conservation, and education. She oversaw two flagship properties: the 9,000-acre Archbold Biological Station on Florida’s ancient Lake Wales Ridge and the 10,500-acre Buck Island Ranch, a working cattle ranch and research site within the Headwaters of the Everglades.

Under her leadership, Archbold science informed critical conservation strategies for sustainable ecosystems, the survival of threatened species, and large landscape conservation. Dr. Swain fostered multiple partnerships that amplified Archbold’s science and conservation impacts regionally, statewide, and globally.

In her emerita capacity, Dr. Swain’s personal research interests will continue to span many aspects of conservation biology and agroecology, addressing topics ranging from sustainable land management to the conservation of rare species, ecosystems, and connecting large landscapes. She aspires to maintain her public role in protecting vital conservation lands in Florida, including the implementation of the Florida Wildlife Corridor.

Thurs. Jan. 22, 6:00pm; $20

The Future of Bird Conservation – Lessons from Ecuador

American Bird Conservancy (ABC) is dedicated to conserving wild birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. With an emphasis on achieving results and working in partnership, we take on the greatest threats facing birds today, innovating and building on rapid advancements in science to halt extinctions, protect habitats, eliminate threats, and build capacity for bird conservation. Since 1994, ABC has protected more than one million acres for birds and improved the management of an additional nine million acres of bird habitat across over 100 sites in 15 countries. ABC has worked for more than two decades. Mike will discuss how Ecuador is leading the way in bird tourism and bird conservation and how bird tourism can be a pathway for advancing bird conservation worldwide.

About Michael J. Parr, President, American Bird Conservancy

Mike Parr joined the staff of American Bird Conservancy in 1996 after graduating from the University of East Anglia, UK, and working for BirdLife International at their global headquarters in Cambridge, UK. He has authored or co authored several books on birds and conservation including: Parrots – A Guide to the Parrots of the World, Important Bird Areas in the United States, The American Bird Conservancy Guide to Bird Conservation, and Birds of the Tropical Andes, as well as numerous articles and papers. He is Chair of the Alliance for Zero Extinction, and is a widely traveled birder. He became President of American Bird Conservancy in 2017 and has been a consistent champion for Hawaiian birds, preventing bird extinctions, for science in conservation, building partnerships – especially with conservation groups outside the US – and empowering staff and supporters to engage in bird conservation.

Fri. Jan. 23, 6:00pm; $20

“Birding & Nature Study in the Digital Era – Musings on where we’re going, how we’re going to get there, and where we’ve come from”

The desire—the deeply felt need—to connect with birds and nature is as ancient as humanity itself. As our human cultures and societies have evolved through the millennia, we have constantly applied new technologies and new ways of thinking to the engagement of birds and nature. And the past two decades have witnessed perhaps the profoundest transformation of all, with the rapid emergence of digital technologies for enjoying and understanding the natural world. In this lively and gently provocative presentation, Ted will make the case that the digital revolution has led us to a substantially revised conception of the world around us, while at the same time reawakening humanity’s sense of wonder for the natural world.

About Ted Floyd, American Birding Association:

Ted Floyd is the longtime Editor of Birding Magazine, the award-winning flagship publication of the American Birding Association. He has written eight bird books, including National Geographic’s Field Guide to the Birds of the United States and Canada. Ted is also the author of several hundred popular articles, technical papers, and book chapters on birds and nature. He is a frequent speaker at bird festivals, bird club meetings, and ornithological conferences.

Ted is especially interested in analyzing bird vocalizations, in interpreting birds and nature for children and beginners, and in applying new media and emerging technologies toward the appreciation of nature. He has served on the boards of Western Field Ornithologists and Colorado Field Ornithologists, and he remains heavily involved in both organizations. A graduate of Princeton University (A.B., 1990) and Penn State University (Ph.D., 1995), Ted has taught biology, math, and statistics to everyone from second graders to advanced graduate students.

Ted is a recipient of the American Birding Association’s Claudia Wilds Award for Distinguished Service, recognizing his 20+ years of contributions to the association. Ted is a frequent guest on the American Birding Podcast and a prolific content generator for the ABA’s online platforms, and he is especially proud of his involvement in the ABA’s Young Birder programs.

Sat. Jan. 24, 6:00pm; $20

“The Florida Wildlife Corridor Story: Collaboration, Conservation, and the Future of Wild Florida”

In this keynote presentation, Alex Freeze, Corridor Connect Director for the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation, shares the inspiring story behind one of the most ambitious conservation initiatives in the nation—the Florida Wildlife Corridor. Alex will explore how scientific vision, bipartisan leadership, grassroots advocacy, and innovative partnerships have come together to advance the protection the private and public lands and waters essential for wildlife and people to thrive in Florida. This conversation will highlight what makes the Corridor model so successful, why landscape connectivity is vital to Florida’s environment and way of life, and how diverse collaborators—from ranchers and tribal nations to conservation nonprofits, state agencies, and private sector partners—are shaping a stronger future for wild Florida.

About Alex Freeze, Corridor Connect Director:

Alex is a natural sciences professional with almost a decade of experience in science communication, interdisciplinary education, and wildlife conservation. Her work, informed by her background in wildlife biology and environmental education, centers on collaborative conservation missions, immersive environmental education experiences, and multi-media production.

A 7th generation Floridian born and raised in Tampa, Alex got her start in conservation with the Corridor Foundation participating on the 2015 “The Forgotten Coast”, 2018 “Last Green Thread”, and 2021 “Home Waters” expeditions in logistics and storytelling support. Alex continued in impactful conservation storytelling as a field assistant on the “Path of the Panther” project and film. Alex taught as an adjunct professor of environmental biology at Radford University and supported veterinary students in anthrozoology studies as the Assistant Director for the Center for Animal-Human Relationships at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine.