Western Cuyahoga Audubon Speaker Series 2016-2017
Presentations are at 7:30 p.m. at the Rocky River Nature Center located in the Rocky River Metropark. Guests are always welcome to programs and to introduce them to the Audubon mission. (Programs are subject to change). Shade-grown organic coffee is available for sale at Western Cuyahoga Audubon programs. Subscribe to our Calendar for 2016-2017 Speaker Series dates. Programs are free and open to the public. Donations are appreciated.
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Program: ODNR Division of Wildlife: Conservation Law Enforcement
Presenter: Ryan Donnelly, ODNR Division of Wildlife - Law Enforcement for Cuyahoga County Date: Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. Location: Rocky River Nature Center, 24000 Valley Pkwy, North Olmsted, OH 44070 Map
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Program Description: Have woodpeckers chipping at your siding? What about that turkey chasing the mailman? Human interactions with wildlife are common in suburban and urban settings. Ryan Donnelly, ODNR Division of Wildlife - Law Enforcement for Cuyahoga County must deal with these interactions to keep both wildlife and people safe. His presentation, ODNR Division of Wildlife: Conservation Law Enforcement, will provide a profile of the agency including the mission of the Division of Wildlife, the role of State Wildlife Officers and how the Division of Wildlife manages resources of the state including urban wildlife management. Read more about the Ohio Division of Wildlife here.
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Program: Family Structures of Fox and Gray Squirrels: More Than you Ever Wanted to Know (and then some)
Presenter: Dr. Karen Munroe, Assistant Professor, Biology, Baldwin-Wallace University Date: Tuesday, October 4, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. Location: Rocky River Nature Center, 24000 Valley Pkwy, North Olmsted, OH 44070 Map
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Program Description: A couple of years ago, Dr. Karen Munroe from Baldwin-Wallace University, shared the very beginning of her research on urban Fox and Gray Squirrels. Since then, Dr. Monroe and her students have continued to study these two species. Her presentation, “Family Structures of Fox and Gray Squirrels: More Than you Ever Wanted to Know (and then some)”, will update us on how squirrels are studied in an urban environment, focus on some of our newest results comparing the family structure of Fox and Gray squirrels, and help make management decisions, about squirrel species in our backyard and globally!
Very informative lecture by Dr. Karen last night! Interesting how two similar squirrel species set up the social structure in their nests quite differently. Social structure may imply why one species is starting to dominate the other. ~ Silvi and Valdis Krebs, Orgnet
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Program: Acacia Reservation: From Fairways to Forests
Presenter: Wendy Weirich, Director of Outdoor Experiences, Cleveland Metroparks Date: Tuesday, November 1, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. Location: Rocky River Nature Center, 24000 Valley Pkwy, North Olmsted, OH 44070 Map
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Program Description: In the fall of 2012, Cleveland Metroparks received the generous gift of 155 acre Acacia Country Club. The gift came with the specific requirement to return the land to forests. Cleveland Metroparks has been nudging nature ever since in sincere efforts to turn this urban green space into a premier oasis for flora and fauna. Join Director of Outdoor Experiences, Wendy Weirich, for a closer look at the dramatically changing land of Acacia in her presentation, “Acacia Reservation: From Fairways to Forests”.
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Program: Living a Biocentric Lifestyle and How to Get More People Connected to Nature
Presenter: Stefanie Spear, Founder & CEO, EcoWatch Special Event: Annual Dinner & Auction Date: Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. Location: Rocky River Nature Center, 24000 Valley Pkwy, North Olmsted, OH 44070 Map
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Program Description: As founder and CEO of EcoWatch, it's my job to engage millions of people each month in their pursuit of a sustainable lifestyle. From people who are just beginning to connect the dots between human health and the environment to people who work daily to protect our Earth, EcoWatch helps readers on their journey from a humanistic viewpoint to a biocentric one. Come hear and share the challenges and joys of working to encourage people to adopt sustainable practices and become active in their communities, and the role you play in shaping the future of our planet. Stefanie Spear has been publishing environmental news for more than 25 years and is dedicated to educating and motivating readers to become engaged in their community, adopt sustainable practices and support strong environmental policy to protect human health and the environment.
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Program: Recent Advances in Ornithology
Presenter: Dr. Andy Jones, Director of Science, Director of Science and the William A. and Nancy R. Klamm Endowed Chair of Ornithology, Curator and Head of Ornithology, The Cleveland Museum of Natural History Date: Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. Location: Rocky River Nature Center, 24000 Valley Pkwy, North Olmsted, OH 44070 Map
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Program Description: There are thousands of academic papers published every year on the biology of birds. These new discoveries are sometimes highlighted in the media and on your Facebook feed, but many simply don't get the public attention they deserve. Dr. Andy Jones, Department of Ornithology at The Cleveland Museum of Natural History, will present, “Recent Advances in Ornithology”, highlighting the taxonomic changes that birders will want to know about, as well as other discoveries that will simply make you a more observant and more informed birder. This talk will cover many exciting aspects of bird biology that were discovered in the last few years. Read More
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Program: Bumblebees of Ohio and the Great Lakes
Presenter: Dr. Randall J. Mitchell, Professor of Biology, University of Akron Date: Tuesday, February 7, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. Location: Rocky River Nature Center, 24000 Valley Pkwy, North Olmsted, OH 44070 Map |
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Program Description: Nineteen species of bumble bee are historically known from Ohio, but only about 10 of them may be found found now. Some were never common, but several once abundant species are now in steep decline with two species in danger of becoming extinct not only in Ohio, but globally. Habitat loss, introduced parasites, and pesticides are the most likely causes of these declines. Dr. Randall Mitchell, from the University of Akron, will share with us bumble bee identification and how habitat management can help bumble bees in the program, "Bumblebees of Ohio and the Great Lakes".
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Program: Formal Analysis of the Effects of Climate and Landcover Change on Bird Distributions Using the Atlas Data
Presenter: Matthew Shumar, Program Coordinator, Ohio Bird Conservation Initiative Date: Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. Location: Rocky River Nature Center, 24000 Valley Pkwy, North Olmsted, OH 44070 Map News Announcement |
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Program Description: The Second Atlas of Breeding Birds in Ohio was released as a major work this past summer. Looking at the first Atlas, published in 1991 and this more recent Atlas, what information can be gleaned from the data about the status of Ohio’s breeding bird species? We know habitats have changed through the decades, but are there other what changes have occurred? What species have increased, decreased, or are extirpated and why? Join Matthew Shumar of the Ohio Bird Conservation Initiative in his presentation, “Formal Analysis of the Effects of Climate and Landcover Change on Bird Distributions Using the Atlas Data.”
Photo: Dry Detail by Alice Merkel at Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve
Program: Invasive Plant Control Along the Lake Erie Shoreline in Northeast Ohio
Presenter: Zachary Kron, Northeast Ohio Coastal Invasives Project Manager, The Nature Conservancy in Ohio
Date: Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at 7:30 p.m.
Location: Rocky River Nature Center, 24000 Valley Pkwy, North Olmsted, OH 44070 Map
News Announcement
Program Description: In 2016, The Nature Conservancy was awarded a Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Grant to control 1,000 acres of invasive plant species throughout the coastal habitats of Lake Erie in northeast Ohio. The project targets invasive woody and herbaceous species, considers timing to avoid impacts to birds during nesting and migration, and capitalizes on the opportunity to educate the visitors to Ohio’s beaches on the importance of coastal health. Join Zachary Kron in his presentation discussing the approach and results of the initial treatment year, “Invasive Plant Control Along the Lake Erie Shoreline in Northeast Ohio.”
Presenter: Zachary Kron, Northeast Ohio Coastal Invasives Project Manager, The Nature Conservancy in Ohio
Date: Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at 7:30 p.m.
Location: Rocky River Nature Center, 24000 Valley Pkwy, North Olmsted, OH 44070 Map
News Announcement
Program Description: In 2016, The Nature Conservancy was awarded a Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Grant to control 1,000 acres of invasive plant species throughout the coastal habitats of Lake Erie in northeast Ohio. The project targets invasive woody and herbaceous species, considers timing to avoid impacts to birds during nesting and migration, and capitalizes on the opportunity to educate the visitors to Ohio’s beaches on the importance of coastal health. Join Zachary Kron in his presentation discussing the approach and results of the initial treatment year, “Invasive Plant Control Along the Lake Erie Shoreline in Northeast Ohio.”
Photo: Courtesy of Kathy Murphy, Birder, Photographer and Member, Western Cuyahoga Audubon
Program: Birds Give Me Warm Yummies
Presenter: Kathy Murphy, Birder, Photographer and Member, Western Cuyahoga Audubon
Date: Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at 7:30 p.m.
Location: Rocky River Nature Center, 24000 Valley Pkwy, North Olmsted, OH 44070 Map
News Announcement
Program Description: Kathy Murphy, a Western Cuyahoga Audubon member, has found that birding and photographing birds, brings her contentment and joy. Her presentation, “Birds Give Me Warm Yummies”, features over 200 bird species from Ohio. Kathy will share her personal thoughts on the abundance and variety in nature and of the beauty our feathered friends. Kick off spring migration with an evening for new birders, nature lovers and those that love the wild things!
Presenter: Kathy Murphy, Birder, Photographer and Member, Western Cuyahoga Audubon
Date: Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at 7:30 p.m.
Location: Rocky River Nature Center, 24000 Valley Pkwy, North Olmsted, OH 44070 Map
News Announcement
Program Description: Kathy Murphy, a Western Cuyahoga Audubon member, has found that birding and photographing birds, brings her contentment and joy. Her presentation, “Birds Give Me Warm Yummies”, features over 200 bird species from Ohio. Kathy will share her personal thoughts on the abundance and variety in nature and of the beauty our feathered friends. Kick off spring migration with an evening for new birders, nature lovers and those that love the wild things!
Selecting Plants 2016 by Penny O'Connor
Program: Annual Picnic, Plant Exchange & Bird Walk
Date: Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. (no rain will fall this evening!)
Location: Lagoon Picnic Area, Valley Parkway, between Cedar Point Road and Spafford Road, south of Rocky River Nature Center
(NOT at Rocky River Nature Center – held outdoors at a picnic shelter.)
Program Description: Our annual Audubon picnic and plant exchange. Bring your dinner (grill will be available for cooking), your family or friends AND bring any plants, seeds, bulbs that need homes. They can be houseplants or outdoor plants. If you don’t have any plants to bring that is OK, but adopt an “orphan” plant. We also have a bird walk after dinner. Watch the 2016 Picnic Bird Walk Video
Date: Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. (no rain will fall this evening!)
Location: Lagoon Picnic Area, Valley Parkway, between Cedar Point Road and Spafford Road, south of Rocky River Nature Center
(NOT at Rocky River Nature Center – held outdoors at a picnic shelter.)
Program Description: Our annual Audubon picnic and plant exchange. Bring your dinner (grill will be available for cooking), your family or friends AND bring any plants, seeds, bulbs that need homes. They can be houseplants or outdoor plants. If you don’t have any plants to bring that is OK, but adopt an “orphan” plant. We also have a bird walk after dinner. Watch the 2016 Picnic Bird Walk Video
Explore Our Archive: Western Cuyahoga Audubon Speaker Series 2015-2016
Program: Plants That Have Shaped & Changed the World
Presenter: Cynthia Druckenbrod, Horticulturalist, Cleveland Botanical Garden
Date: Tuesday, September 1, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.
Location: Rocky River Nature Center, 24000 Valley Pkwy, North Olmsted, OH 44070 Map
We know that our world is continually changing, naturally and through man-made influences. Cynthia Druckenbrod, Horticulturalist from the Cleveland Botanical Garden, will share with us, “Plants That Have Shaped & Changed the World". Travelers and explorers carried more than themselves and crew as they voyaged to different continents long ago, some of their cargo were plants. Plants may have been carried from the “homeland” to other lands because they were important or new plant discoveries from distant lands proved useful and brought home. Join us as we find out what plants changed our world.
Presenter: Cynthia Druckenbrod, Horticulturalist, Cleveland Botanical Garden
Date: Tuesday, September 1, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.
Location: Rocky River Nature Center, 24000 Valley Pkwy, North Olmsted, OH 44070 Map
We know that our world is continually changing, naturally and through man-made influences. Cynthia Druckenbrod, Horticulturalist from the Cleveland Botanical Garden, will share with us, “Plants That Have Shaped & Changed the World". Travelers and explorers carried more than themselves and crew as they voyaged to different continents long ago, some of their cargo were plants. Plants may have been carried from the “homeland” to other lands because they were important or new plant discoveries from distant lands proved useful and brought home. Join us as we find out what plants changed our world.
Program: Kirtland’s Warbler: Past, Present and a Vision for the Future
Presenter: William Rapai, Author
Date: Tuesday, October 6, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.
Location: Rocky River Nature Center, 24000 Valley Pkwy, North Olmsted, OH 44070 Map
The Kirtland's Warbler may soon be removed from the Endangered Species List even though it remains one of the rarest birds in North America. But unlike other endangered species that have been delisted, the Kirtland's Warbler will require continued human intervention to ensure its survival. In his program, “Kirtland’s Warbler: Past, Present and a Vision for the Future”, author William Rapai, will discuss the challenges and a new vision for conservation that is being developed for this unique species.
Presenter: William Rapai, Author
Date: Tuesday, October 6, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.
Location: Rocky River Nature Center, 24000 Valley Pkwy, North Olmsted, OH 44070 Map
The Kirtland's Warbler may soon be removed from the Endangered Species List even though it remains one of the rarest birds in North America. But unlike other endangered species that have been delisted, the Kirtland's Warbler will require continued human intervention to ensure its survival. In his program, “Kirtland’s Warbler: Past, Present and a Vision for the Future”, author William Rapai, will discuss the challenges and a new vision for conservation that is being developed for this unique species.
Program: Ohio Bird Conservation Initiative: Bringing Organizations Together
Presenter: Amanda Duren, Program Coordinator, Ohio Bird Conservation Initiative (OBCI)
Date: Tuesday, November 3, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.
Location: Rocky River Nature Center, 24000 Valley Pkwy, North Olmsted, OH 44070 Map
The Ohio Bird Conservation Initiative (OBCI) is a collaboration of more than 100 non-profit groups, businesses, and state and federal government agencies, that are working together to ensure the conservation and effective management of birds in Ohio. In her program, “Ohio Bird Conservation Initiative: Bringing Organizations Together,” Amanda Duren, will share with us how OBCI works to build strong and diverse conservation partnerships. Some of OBCI's priority programs, including Ohio Lights Out, a highway nestbox trail for American kestrels, and encouraging forest management for birds will be discussed.
Presenter: Amanda Duren, Program Coordinator, Ohio Bird Conservation Initiative (OBCI)
Date: Tuesday, November 3, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.
Location: Rocky River Nature Center, 24000 Valley Pkwy, North Olmsted, OH 44070 Map
The Ohio Bird Conservation Initiative (OBCI) is a collaboration of more than 100 non-profit groups, businesses, and state and federal government agencies, that are working together to ensure the conservation and effective management of birds in Ohio. In her program, “Ohio Bird Conservation Initiative: Bringing Organizations Together,” Amanda Duren, will share with us how OBCI works to build strong and diverse conservation partnerships. Some of OBCI's priority programs, including Ohio Lights Out, a highway nestbox trail for American kestrels, and encouraging forest management for birds will be discussed.
Program: Birding Without Binoculars With Bill
Presenter: Bill Deininger, Videographer
Date: Tuesday, December 1, 2015. Dinner at 6:30 p.m. Program at 7:30 p.m.
Location: Rocky River Nature Center, 24000 Valley Pkwy, North Olmsted, OH 44070 Map
Come on an adventure to watch, laugh and enjoy our many feathered friends. In the program, “Birding Without Binoculars With Bill”, videographer and Western Cuyahoga Audubon member, Bill Deininger, shares videos from birding areas in Northern Ohio. Enjoy the antics of our avian acrobats from the comfort of our chairs as we watch and listen to local favorites and rarities, as well as observe interesting behaviors some of which are sure to have you laughing. Join us!
For the silent auction, you are invited to bring your gently-used or new nature-themed items. Bring a few bucks at the same time, and take home some treasures for yourself or for holiday gifts. All proceeds benefit the Western Cuyahoga Audubon. For the potluck, bring a tasty dish to share. Western Cuyahoga Audubon provides soft drinks, shade-grown coffee, ham and turkey.
Presenter: Bill Deininger, Videographer
Date: Tuesday, December 1, 2015. Dinner at 6:30 p.m. Program at 7:30 p.m.
Location: Rocky River Nature Center, 24000 Valley Pkwy, North Olmsted, OH 44070 Map
Come on an adventure to watch, laugh and enjoy our many feathered friends. In the program, “Birding Without Binoculars With Bill”, videographer and Western Cuyahoga Audubon member, Bill Deininger, shares videos from birding areas in Northern Ohio. Enjoy the antics of our avian acrobats from the comfort of our chairs as we watch and listen to local favorites and rarities, as well as observe interesting behaviors some of which are sure to have you laughing. Join us!
For the silent auction, you are invited to bring your gently-used or new nature-themed items. Bring a few bucks at the same time, and take home some treasures for yourself or for holiday gifts. All proceeds benefit the Western Cuyahoga Audubon. For the potluck, bring a tasty dish to share. Western Cuyahoga Audubon provides soft drinks, shade-grown coffee, ham and turkey.
Program: Conserving Ceruleans in Ohio
Presenter: Laura Kearns, Wildlife Research Biologist, Ohio Division of Wildlife
Date: Tuesday, January 5, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
Location: Rocky River Nature Center, 24000 Valley Pkwy, North Olmsted, OH 44070 Map
The Cerulean Warbler is a species of concern throughout the Appalachian region, including Ohio. Laura Kearns, Wildlife Research Biologist with the Ohio Division of Wildlife, will present information about the species’ life history, probable reasons for decline, and conservation efforts being made throughout its migration and wintering range in her program, “Conserving Ceruleans in Ohio”. Additionally, Laura will profile the new Cerulean Warbler Regional Conservation Partnership Program, which enlists private landowners to manage their forests for the Cerulean Warbler.
Presenter: Laura Kearns, Wildlife Research Biologist, Ohio Division of Wildlife
Date: Tuesday, January 5, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
Location: Rocky River Nature Center, 24000 Valley Pkwy, North Olmsted, OH 44070 Map
The Cerulean Warbler is a species of concern throughout the Appalachian region, including Ohio. Laura Kearns, Wildlife Research Biologist with the Ohio Division of Wildlife, will present information about the species’ life history, probable reasons for decline, and conservation efforts being made throughout its migration and wintering range in her program, “Conserving Ceruleans in Ohio”. Additionally, Laura will profile the new Cerulean Warbler Regional Conservation Partnership Program, which enlists private landowners to manage their forests for the Cerulean Warbler.
Program: Will Bobwhite Return to Northeast Ohio?
Presenter: Marlo Perdicas, Biologist
Date: Tuesday, February 2, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
Location: Rocky River Nature Center, 24000 Valley Pkwy, North Olmsted, OH 44070 Map
Springfield Bog Metro Park in Akron was a corn field when purchased in 2009. Now, nearly 100 acres of prairie surround two remnant bogs, and Northern Bobwhite are being reintroduced to the area. Join Biologist Marlo Perdicas, in her presentation,“Will Bobwhite Return to Northeast Ohio?” to learn about Summit Metro Parks’ efforts to restore bobwhite and bobwhite habitat.
Presenter: Marlo Perdicas, Biologist
Date: Tuesday, February 2, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
Location: Rocky River Nature Center, 24000 Valley Pkwy, North Olmsted, OH 44070 Map
Springfield Bog Metro Park in Akron was a corn field when purchased in 2009. Now, nearly 100 acres of prairie surround two remnant bogs, and Northern Bobwhite are being reintroduced to the area. Join Biologist Marlo Perdicas, in her presentation,“Will Bobwhite Return to Northeast Ohio?” to learn about Summit Metro Parks’ efforts to restore bobwhite and bobwhite habitat.
Program: Evolution of Flying Flowers
Presenter: Barbara Coleman, Museum Associate, Cleveland Museum of Natural History
Date: Tuesday, March 1, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
Location: Rocky River Nature Center, 24000 Valley Pkwy, North Olmsted, OH 44070 Map
Butterflies and moths are abundant insects found in many habitats. Yet few people know they are closely related to Caddis Flies. Both insect groups evolved when dinosaurs roamed the Earth in the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. Fossils of early moths are found in around the world, while in the United States, the first butterfly fossil was discovered in Colorado. Barbara Coleman, Western Cuyahoga member and a member of the Ohio Lepidopterists, will present the program, Evolution of Flying Flowers. She will also touch on information regarding the decline in Monarch and other butterfly populations which has led to increased research to discover the cause.
Presenter: Barbara Coleman, Museum Associate, Cleveland Museum of Natural History
Date: Tuesday, March 1, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
Location: Rocky River Nature Center, 24000 Valley Pkwy, North Olmsted, OH 44070 Map
Butterflies and moths are abundant insects found in many habitats. Yet few people know they are closely related to Caddis Flies. Both insect groups evolved when dinosaurs roamed the Earth in the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. Fossils of early moths are found in around the world, while in the United States, the first butterfly fossil was discovered in Colorado. Barbara Coleman, Western Cuyahoga member and a member of the Ohio Lepidopterists, will present the program, Evolution of Flying Flowers. She will also touch on information regarding the decline in Monarch and other butterfly populations which has led to increased research to discover the cause.
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Program: The Importance of Conservation: Exciting New Natural History Discoveries
Presenter: Jim McCormac, Botanist and Naturalist Date: Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. Location: Rocky River Nature Center, 24000 Valley Pkwy, North Olmsted, OH 44070 Map |
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Program Description: In spite of Ohio’s long history of natural history exploration, exciting new finds and rediscoveries still occur on a regular basis. Several new species of native plants have been discovered, as has a gorgeous katydid with one of the most complex songs in the singing insect world – possibly new to science. The 3,000 species of moths in the state represent an incompletely understood frontier and a rare Ohio habitat supports a beautiful species that was just described to science. Encouraging are rediscoveries of species thought to have long vanished from Ohio, such as the gargantuan Carolina wolf spider. These finds, and others, have a common denominator – they were found at sites which had been protected as natural areas. Join botanist and naturalist, Jim McCormac in his presentation, “The Importance of Conservation: Exciting New Natural History Discoveries”.
Great presentation. It was amazing to find species still be discovered (or re-emerging) in Ohio's tiny bits of remnant prairies. So important to preserve habitat. - Event Attendee
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Program: DIY-Conservation Biology
Presenter: Casey Tucker, Director, American Avian Conservation and Research Institute Date: Tuesday, May 3, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. Location: Rocky River Nature Center, 24000 Valley Pkwy, North Olmsted, OH 44070 Map |
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Program Description: Citizen Science has been touted by researchers as a tool for science and conservation education and outreach, however only certain types of Citizen Science projects may be useful for these purposes. In order to increase the public’s knowledge of science, and address local conservation issues, it may be necessary to return to the roots of Citizen Science, research being done by hobbyists and non-professionals asking questions and conducting experiments. Casey Tucker, director of the American Avian Conservation and Research Institute, will share his research about Citizen Science in his program, “DIY-Conservation Biology”.
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Your gifts guarantee chapter activities, programs and research continues to reach members and connect to birding conservationists around the world. Use our safe and secure PayPal payment button below to make a donation of any amount you choose. All donations are gratefully received.
Your gifts guarantee chapter activities, programs and research continues to reach members and connect to birding conservationists around the world. Use our safe and secure PayPal payment button below to make a donation of any amount you choose. All donations are gratefully received.
