History

The roots of the Center for Conservation Biology stretch back to the "bird lab" located in room 215 of Millington Hall. Within this small room, many careers were launched in the fields of ornithology, avian research, wildlife management, ecology, and conservation biology. Over many years, nearly three-dozen graduate students and scores of undergraduates with a common interest in birds and bird research worked with Mitchell Byrd. Through time, Mitchell and these students amassed an impressive collection of information dealing with the natural history and conservation of birds throughout the mid-Atlantic region. This body of information is unique and represents an important resource used on a regular basis in the conservation of mid-Atlantic birds.

The Center for Conservation Biology was established following a meeting during the winter of 1991-1992 involving Larry Wiseman (chair of Department of Biology), Melvin Schiavelli (former provost), Mitchell Byrd, and Bryan Watts and with the assistance of David Lutzer (former Dean of Faculty). One of the initial goals of the Center was to continue the legacy of education that had begun three decades before within the bird lab. Another goal was to conduct basic and applied research that would expand upon a growing collection of information resources.

Since establishment, the Center has continued to expand in both size and scope. Originally housed within Millington Hall the Center began with 2 offices, a research laboratory, and a storage closet. During the first year, 5 research projects were completed. In the spring of 1993, the Center was moved to the Hornsby House at 336 Jamestown Road. The Hornsby House provided expanded working area, a conference room and space for a limited library. Numerous students and technicians worked in the Hornsby facility over the years. By the time the Center moved a second time in June of 2000, permanent staff had increased to 5 and the Center was conducting 15-20 projects per year. The Center is currently located (contact information) within the Minson Galt House of the Dillard Complex.

In just a short period of time, the Center for Conservation Biology has developed into one of the leading conservation organizations in the mid-Atlantic region. During this time, Center staff have conducted more than 150 research projects and have involved more than 200 students in primary research.