Birds
on the
Niagara

It has long been known that birds and pollinators are affected by light pollution on their migratory paths. The WNY community is a major part of the Atlantic Migratory Flyway and a designated RAMSAR wetland of significance one of only 40 in the world. As such we have thousands of birds and migratory butterflies transversing our urban and suburban footprint every year. This course examines some of the technology of bird tracking within the community and examines the ecological impact of birds on the health and wellness of a community. The economic consequence of eco-tourism and how the light sensitive lighting design can foster the safety of the birds, enhance the ecologic impact while keeping people safe and healthier. This course will investigate emerging adaptive lighting technologies and construction methods creating bird friendly environments.

Speakers:

Mary Ann Kedron MBA PhD
Mary Ann Kedron is the President of Birds on Niagara. Her PhD is in Epidemiology and Community Health. She has taught multiple courses at the University and Community College Level and continues to present regularly in the community. She is well versed in the ecological standing of the Niagara River and its designations. She is an avid birder and outdoorsperson.

James Brigagliano LC, MIES, LEED Green Assoc.
Lighting Program Manager
Dark Skies International

Active in the lighting community for 20 years, James brings a unique blend of technical knowledge, real world experience and a passion for dark sky preservation. James champions the development of existing and new DarkSky Approved Lighting programs for luminaires and applications.
James began his career in lighting working in the Planning, Design & Construction Dept. at Cornell University. In his time at Cornell James gained experience measuring and photographing built projects, collaborating with professionals on master planning, and creating site lighting standards for the campus. Dedicating himself to lighting, James continued his career at Selux Corporation in Highland, New York, where James wrote multiple continuing education articles, developed award winning dark sky luminaires, and gained a strong appreciation for environmentally friendly lighting.

Marcus Rosten

Marcus Rosten is the Director of the Western New York Wildway with the Western New York Land Conservancy in Buffalo, NY, he is leading a landscape-scale conservation initiative to create a network of protected lands and corridors from the Allegheny Plateau of Appalachia to the Great Lakes and beyond. The WNY Wildway will allow plants and animals to safely roam across the land as they once did, to move as the climate changes, and expand their ranges to ensure their survival. He also serves as a board member for the Buffalo Ornithological Society and is an at-large member for the Erie County Environmental Management Council as well as a board member of the Birds on Niagara.

 

Learning Objectives:

Identify the areas of lighting impact and the times of major concern for migration
Recognize the ecologic and economic impact of birds and pollinators
Identify the 5 dark sky lighting principles
More details about LED Lighting
Identify bird friendly lighting designs and construction methods that ultimately serve the occupants and environmental community.
Review a case study of emerging technology for consideration.
In-Person / Virtual

Earn 1.5 LUs

Cost: Free

Snacks provided, cash bar

Lipsey Architectural Center

444 Forest Ave Buffalo, NY 14213

Thursday, May 1st
6:00pm – 9:00pm

Thursday, May 1, 2025
6:00 PM 9:00 PM
The Richardson Olmsted Campus
444 Forest Avenue

Buffalo, NY, 14213United States