Date

Wednesday, March 26, 2008;

Speakers

Location

Parking:
On site and free.

Time

Cost

Title

The Polar Bears of Churchill and the Effects of Global Warming

Topics

Pam Strickland and Bob MacLeod traveled with the National Audubon Society in November, 2007, to photograph and study the polar bears of Churchill, Manitoba, Canada (the "Polar Bear Capital of the World"). Accompanied by one of the world's foremost ursine researchers, Dr. James Halfpenny, and representatives from Polar Bears International, Pam and Bob returned with incredible photographs, videos, and first-hand information about these majestic animals and the effects of global warming on their future survival. Join them as they share their experience and knowledge through words and pictures!

About the Speakers

Pam Strickland and Bob MacLeod are Santa Barbara Audubon members. They work in real estate and computer consulting, respectively, and share a love of photography (birds and more). You can see some of their photography on their website.

Date

Wednesday, April 23, 2008;

Speakers

Location

Parking:
On site and free.

Time

Cost

Title

The Climate Crisis: How will it affect our lives and the balance of nature

Topics

The climate crisis has captured the public's attention - we're all worried about how it will affect our lives. And what about the lives of the diverse species we share our planet with? A recent study suggests that a rise of just 2 degrees in Earth's temperature over the next 50 years could wipe out tens of thousands of plant and animal species around the planet, even in remote places far away from human activity. Hannah will discuss his research into the many ways that life on our planet could be thrown out of balance, and the strategies that conservationists are using to protect biodiversity.

Lee Hannah remembers spending weekends in the mountains of Colorado with his parents, who were amateur conservationists themselves. The connection he developed with the land in his youth remains strong; Lee, a Climate Change Biologist, is a senior researcher at the Center for Applied Biodiversity Science (CABS). Lee has authored many articles, and co-edited a major book on climate change published just last year. The book, Climate Change and Biodiversity, was recently honored by Choice magazine, which included the work in its list of "Outstanding Academic Titles" for 2005.

About the Speaker

Dr. Lee Hannah is Senior Fellow in Climate Change Biology at Conservation International's (CI) Center for Applied Biodiversity Science and also an Adjunct Professor in UCSB's Bren School of Environmental Science & Management. Lee's work has taken him around the world, from Hawaii to Madagascar, Brazil, and South Africa, and his research has focused on the connections between global climate change and its affects on plants and animal diversity. He received an undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of California at Berkeley and earned his PhD in Environmental Science from UCLA in 1984. His interests include methods of corridor design and the role of climate change and communities in conservation planning and protected area creation and management. His work represents a vital link between the worldwide issue of climate change and the local implementation of practical conservation techniques.

Date

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Speaker

Location

Parking:
On site and free.

Time

Cost

Title

Between Science and Magic. . . The Continuing Search for the Ivory-billed Woodpecker

Topics

The Ivory-billed Woodpecker has been shrouded in mystery and disbelief for over a century. Some call it the "Grail Bird", while others call it the "Lord God Bird", but whatever you call it, it is one of the most prized birds sought by birdwatchers. David Pereksta will take us on a journey through the tragic and misunderstood history of this magnificent bird. David will chronicle the history of its decline through the 1800s, the rediscoveries and apparent extinction in the first half of the 20th century, the litany of unconfirmed sightings and evidence through the latter half of the 20th century, the most recent rediscovery in 2004, and his own participation in Cornell University's search for the "Lord God Bird" in 2006 and 2007. If you do not believe the Ivory-billed Woodpecker still exists, you may need to reevaluate!

About the Speaker

David is an Assistant Field Supervisor for the US Fish and Wildlife Service, where he works to conserve habitat for threatened and endangered species and migratory birds. Throughout his career with various Federal and State agencies, he has studied several imperiled bird species including snowy plovers, piping plovers, least terns, ospreys, northern goshawks, brown pelicans, and spotted owls. An avid birder for nearly 30 years, he takes every opportunity to get into the field to observe, study, and photograph birds. He has seen over 1,500 species in his travels in the Americas; photographing over 800 species along the way.