Contrary to what many people might think, conservation work is not always about adventure.

It may mean traveling to remote islands, but it also requires dedication, patience, research, data crunching and writing up proposals for grants so you can continue to carry out your work.

Ask recently retired University of Hawaii professor and zoologist Sheila Conant, who researched the life history, ecology and conservation of Hawaii birds for more than 45 years.

Conservationists are trying to prevent the loss of hundreds of endangered species in the state, including more than 30 birds, 300 plants and mammals like the Hawaiian monk seal and Hawaiian hoary bat.

One-third of the nation’s endangered birds are in Hawaii, which has lost more species than any other place on Earth.

Gone are the Kauai oo, kakawahie and Laysan honeycreeper. Six or seven species of birds that Conant once saw earlier in her career are now gone.

"It makes me very sad," she said.

But there’s a reason conservationists keep doing what they do.

The recent translocation of two dozen endangered Millerbirds (small, gray-brown songbirds that dine on Miller moths) from Nihoa to Laysan, where they once lived, has proved successful.

With a Nihoa population fluctuating between about 300 and 700, the new population on Laysan gives the birds a second chance at survival.

Stories like that give conservationists a glimmer of hope that recovery efforts can work.

The 20th annual Hawai‘i Conservation Conference celebrates all of these efforts starting Tuesday through Thursday. The theme this year is "What Difference Does 20 Years Make? Reflections on Change, Innovation, and the Work that Remains."

There will be a presentation of a video reflecting on the Hawai‘i Conservation Alliance’s past two decades, along with keynote speakers such as Conant, who is scheduled as the awards luncheon speaker on the last day.

You don’t have to be a scientist to participate in the conference’s Public Day, from 3 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, which offers activities for everyone in the family.

Check out the pop-up art exhibit by Maoli Real Time, participate in a live mural painting with Wyland or watch a conservation film by Knowledge in Motion. You can also learn about the latest in conservation research.

You can also talk story with more than 40 "green" vendors and buy locally sourced food and drink. From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. there will be a special performance by Anuhea, Kawika Kahi­apo and Maori guest artist Maisey Rika.

Nina Wu writes about environmental issues. Reach her at nwu@staradvertiser.com.