First ever wildlife management science conference in Yuma

A local college professor is making sure Yuma’s advanced agricultural practices are open for everyone to see in a first of its kind conference brought to Yuma.

The Arizona-Nevada Academy of Science is putting on this event on Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Arizona Western College.

Dr. Paula Rivadeneira is a professor at University of Arizona’s Cooperative Extension and has an extensive background in wildlife management.

She says this conference and forum is an opportunity to showcase Yuma’s agricultural advancements.

“Our farmers are brilliantly smart, they understand agronomy to advanced mathematics, to figure out how much fertilizer they need, they really are very science based, but not many people think of it that way.”, says Dr. Rivadeneira.

A major part of Yuma’s agricultural landscape are birds, specifically falcons and barn owls which play a crucial role in the region’s ecology.

“Tiffany comes in with trained hawks and falcons and protects the fields to the birds won’t poop on the fields or destroy the crops”

Before the conference, everyone will be able to participate in a forum to discuss the latest practices in wildlife management.

“Were really excited, students can register free and spend the whole day there, and hear the research talks and poster sessions, there will be a luncheon”.

Making sure Yuma keeps its reputation as the winter lettuce capital of the world, thanks to the mineral rich soil from the Colorado River.