This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The 2016 Great Salt Lake Bird Festival might not begin until May 12, but organizers are already making plans for one of Utah's more popular spring traditions.
Festival chair Neka Roundy announced that renowned nature artist and writer Julie Zickefoose will be the keynote speaker on May 14. Zickefoose began illustrating natural history subjects as a college freshman in 1976. She began to write essays about her observations of birds and animals and writing crept into the forefront of her interests. She has written books and for Bird Watchers Digest, where she has painted 27 covers for the magazine.
Zickefoose will also guide a field trip, offer a workshop and sign books in addition to providing cover art of the program.
Roundy also announced that James Curie from BirdingAdventures TV will be participating in the event. Curie is going to participate in field trips, offer a workshop and present a family workshop.
Tickets for the May 14 6 p.m. dinner are available at http://www.GreatSaltLakeBirdFest.com.
Online registration for field trips begins Feb. 22. Vendor applications will be accepted until April 29.