IN-PERSON: The Elderwise classroom, 2275 Platt Road
Join former Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance (WBNA) President, Ray Stocking, as he looks back on 20 years since the first post-delisting Peregrine Falcon sighting in Ann Arbor—one of Washtenaw County’s most uplifting wildlife comeback stories. Ray will take us through the Peregrine’s dramatic journey in Michigan, from near extinction in the mid‑1900s due to DDT, to its inspiring rebound after the pesticide ban in the 1970s. He will share memories from that exciting March 2006 sighting that had local birders buzzing (and maybe a little overexcitement from the University of Michigan!), plus stories about the early struggles of these falcons trying to nest atop the Burton Memorial Tower on U‑M’s campus. Thanks to the teamwork of WBNA, the Michigan DNR, the University of Michigan, and others, nest boxes placed across key campus buildings helped Peregrines reclaim the city skyline. Ray will share a true celebration of resilience, collaboration, and the enduring spirit of conservation. Ray Stocking lives in Ann Arbor, MI, and is the executive director for the Kirtland's Warbler Alliance. He also serves on the board of directors for Michigan Audubon. Ray is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University where he received his B.B.A and M.B.A. degrees in business management.
