Representatives of some 40 conservation groups are wrapping up meetings today at America’s Wildlife Museum and Aquarium under development on the campus of Springfield’s Bass Pro Shops.
Hosted by the Johnny Morris Foundation, the two-day 2015 National Conservation Summit gives international and local conservation directors an early glimpse at museum galleries with the intent of developing ways they can work their messages into the exhibits. The overarching theme of the summit was to discuss public education and engagement efforts to protect wildlife and natural habitats in advance of the museum’s planned opening by June.
“That’s why we came here,” said Glenn Olson, a conservationist in public policy for the California-based National Audubon Society. “People are going to get inspired.
“Part of it is figuring out what it’s going to be.”
Olson, for instance, has an idea Audubon could create native demonstration gardens throughout the museum’s outdoor landscaping. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe foresees an advisory role for the federal organization.
“Everything that this museum does touches on our work,” Ashe said of the group’s management of 150 million acres in the National Wildlife Refuge System, along with wetlands and fisheries. “We’ll look for opportunities to fit within interpretation.”
On display today was an Arctic polar bear exhibit and mountain sheep displays. Preparations for an African hall are underway in an adjacent room.
Among the groups on hand are the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Ducks Unlimited and the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society.
Representing the local organizations, Watershed Committee of the Ozarks Executive Director Mike Kromrey said he was on hand today for two opportunities: “One is to learn from National Geographic, International Game Fish Association and others. Two is finding our niche in this place to share our message.”
Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris and his team
in March unveiled to media 1.3 million gallons of freshwater and saltwater aquariums. The museum has been under renovations for seven years at a reported cost north of $80 million, privately funded by Morris.
Attendees anticipate a day the 315,000-square-foot museum and aquarium serves as a hub for wildlife education and attracts over 1 million people through its doors.
“That’s the great thing about Johnny Morris and Bass Pro Shops,” Ashe said. “He is big-minded and sees opportunity to give back. Of course, his business is predicated on healthy environments. If they can bring 1-2 million visitors a year, it would give people a good slice of what wildlife looks like and feels like.”
