Tuesday, Jan. 29
Lance Craighead, Craighead Environmental Research Institute

Craighead reveals how grizzly bears, wolves, wolverines and Canada lynxes need large landscapes to maintain stable populations. During his lecture, “Planning the Persistence of Large Carnivores,” Craighead highlights how cutting-edge technology, combined with grassroots community connections, has helped protect the last remaining habitats of these powerful predators.
http://craigheadresearch.org/index.php

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Tuesday, Feb. 26
Dr. Marc P. Hayes, Research Scientist, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

In his lecture, “Climate Change, Disease, Exotics and Humans: The Unique Case of the Oregon Spotted Frog,” Hayes describes the Oregon spotted frog as one of the Pacific Northwest's most remarkable amphibians. For a variety of reasons, this beautiful frog is now found in less than 20 percent of its historic range. Hayes tells the important story of the Oregon spotted frog, and how its precipitous decline may lead us to make better environmental choices in the future.

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Tuesday, March 25
Bob Sallinger, conservation director, Audubon Society of Portland

Peregrine falcons are some of the most spectacular birds in the world, diving at speeds of more than 200 mph. Unfortunately, by 1970 widespread use of the pesticide DDT had virtually eliminated nesting peregrines from the continental United States. Today, peregrines once again inhabit our skies, and some Oregon's most productive peregrine nest sites can be found in downtown Portland. Sallinger has worked on peregrine falcon recovery efforts since the early 1990s, when the birds first began nesting on Portland's Fremont Bridge. During his lecture titled "Peregrines of Portland: Birds, Bridges and Urban Biodiversity," Sallinger reveals the secrets of these swift birds of prey, and discusses the 20-year effort to restore them to the skies of Portland. He also brings attention to the important role urban areas can play in protecting and restoring wildlife populations.

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Tuesday, April 29
Scott Black, Entomologist, Xerces Society

Black makes a compelling case for appreciating bugs. People can thank insect pollinators for one third of every mouthful of food they eat. Without the lowliest flies in a stream for young fish to eat, grilled salmon would never make the menu. In fact, the direct benefit of insects to Americans is around $57 billion a year. Prepare to be astounded and enlightened about some of the planet's smallest, but most important inhabitants.

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