The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is excited to announce that its popular environmental speaker series, Evenings at the Conservancy, will continue in 2018. The eco-education lectures are currently planned January through May at the Conservancy’s Eaton Conservation Hall. A host of guest speakers will cover important topics including endangered species, conservation and sustainability issues, plus local environmental research updates. Events are free to Conservancy members and general admission is $10. Conservancy of Southwest Florida members, the public and media are invited to attend these insightful community events to learn more, join the discussion, and stay informed with current environmental issues affecting Southwest Florida.
2018 Evenings at the Conservancy event dates are as follows:
- Jan. 23 – Greg Poulakis, FWC – ‘The Plight of the Endangered Smalltooth Sawfish.’ Dr. Poulakis will discuss how this unique species became endangered, what research is being done to promote recovery and many interesting facts that his team has learned over almost two decades of studying these animals, which are still found in Southwest Florida.
- Feb. 13 – Neil Wilkinson, FGCU Professor – ‘FGCU’s Endeavor to Create a Culture of Self Sustainability.’ Wilkinson will detail how FGCU became a hub for leading sustainability initiatives, community commitment to advance the university’s mission of environmental sustainability, and how FGCU strives to lead in theory and practice.
- Feb. 27 – Heather Skaza Acosta, Conservancy Education Director – ‘Environmental Literacy: Why It’s Important and What We Do to Improve It.’ Skaza Acosta will address how to inform, inspire and excite people into action for sustainability through a discussion of environmental literacy and the challenges to improving it.
- March 20 – Elam Stoltzfus, Filmmaker – ‘Filmmaker’s Journey in Florida.’ Stoltzfus will discuss his 30-year journey traveling Florida to document the state’s natural beauty, and detail how his art has served as a means for conservation.
- April 10 – Dave Addison, Conservancy Biologist – ‘Turtles of Keewaydin.’ Addison will share insight on the many turtles of Keewaydin Island, which he has been researching for the last three decades.
- May 8 – Ian Bartoszek, Conservancy Biologist – ‘Invasive Pythons.’ Bartoszek will share updates from his collaborative research on a radio telemetry research project tracking Burmese Pythons in Southwest Florida.
Stay tuned for additional presentations planned later in the year by visiting www.conservancy.org/nature-center/evenings.
Evenings at the Conservancy event seating is limited, and presentations often sell out. Those interested in attending any event are asked to reserve a seat by contacting Sophia Navarra by emailing SophiaN@conservancy.org or calling 239-403-4207. To learn more about the Evenings at the Conservancy events, please visit www.conservancy.org/nature-center/evenings.
About the Conservancy of Southwest Florida:
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is a not-for-profit environmental protection organization with a 50-year history focused on the issues impacting the water, land wildlife and future of Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. The Conservancy accomplishes this mission through the combined efforts of its experts in the areas of environmental science, policy, education and wildlife rehabilitation. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida, world-class Nature Center and von Arx Wildlife Hospital are headquartered in Naples, Florida, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, south of the Naples Zoo off Goodlette-Frank Road. Learn more about the Conservancy’s work and how to support the quality of life in Southwest Florida www.conservancy.org.
