Green Drinks in Hendersonville, NC 1/11: Conservation Research to Reduce Wildlife Vehicle Collisions, Improve Human Safety, & Connect Habitat in WNC

This month Dr. Liz Hillard, Senior Wildlife Biologist for Wildlands Network, will highlight and discuss research findings from two wildlife road crossing projects here in Western North Carolina. Her research includes monitoring reptile road underpasses for wildlife use in Gorges State Park, and evaluating bear, deer, and elk road conflict areas along I-40 in the Pigeon River Gorge.

Liz Hillard, Ph.D., is Wildlands Network’s Senior Wildlife Biologist for the Appalachian Region. For the last five years, Liz has been leading research efforts focused on increasing wildlife habitat connectivity and mitigating the effects of roads on wildlife. In addition, she works to build partnerships and engage the public in conservation efforts throughout the Southern Appalachian region. Liz earned a M.S. in Biology from Western Carolina University in 2013 researching elk habitat selection in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and earned her Ph.D. at Southern Illinois University in 2018. Liz is based in Asheville.

Hendersonville Green Drinks is presented by Conserving Carolina, MountainTrue and Trailside Brewing Co. Come to Green Drinks to learn more about current environmental issues, have relevant discussions, and meet with like-minded people. This is a monthly event and everyone is welcome. You don’t have to drink at Green Drinks, just come and listen. Trailside Brewing Co. offers beer, wine, cider, prosecco and non-alcoholic beverages. A limited food menu will be available.