Speakers include scientists in zoology, conservation, veterinarian medicine, ecology and animal behavior.
COAL VALLEY, Ill. (April 10, 2018) – Niabi Zoo continues the first-of-its-kind adult education program – the Conservation and Science Speaker Series. The series of presentations covers topics on conservation, ecology, biology and zoology. The next talks will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on April 17 and May 16 at the Niabi Zoo educational center.
The speaker series will bring guests in direct contact with people and topics of vital importance to understanding of the natural world.
“We want to connect people to the natural world through science and education,” says Lee Jackson, director of Niabi Zoo. “Questioning the validity of science is becoming all too common. One of the best ways to restore confidence in the scientific method is to hear from the scientists themselves who are leaders in their respective disciplines and are directly involved in field conservation and research.”
Niabi Zoo members, zoo volunteers, students (with valid college ID) are invited to attend the series at no cost. An $8 fee per talk will be charged to all other individuals wishing to attend. No parking fee will be collected.
Space is limited to 45 individuals per presentation. Those interested in attending should RSVP online at the links below or call 309-799-3482 x 222.
Conservation & Science Speaker Series Schedule
April 17, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Topic: Bee and Beetle Diversity in Illinois
Presented by: Dr. Kenneth McCravy – Western Illinois University
Human impacts on the environment are resulting in what some call the “sixth mass extinction.” Bees and ground beetles are among the most abundant and diverse groups on the planet, playing an essential ecological role as pollinators, scavengers, seed eaters and epigeic predators.
On April 17 at 6:30 p.m., Dr. Ken McCravy will be at Niabi presenting research he’s done with his students at Western Illinois University documenting the diversity, habitat associations and disturbance ecology of these insects.
RSVP at https://conta.cc/2uE7S2E.
May 16, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Topic: How do we know what animals need our help? Working with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) for species survival.
Presented by: Dr. Kira Mileham – Director of Strategic Partnerships, IUCN
Zoos and aquariums play a critical role in protecting species in the wild. Of the eight million species of recognized animals, plants and fungi on earth, how does anyone decide which species MOST need our help?
On May 16 at 6:30 p.m., Dr. Kira Mileham, the Director of Strategic Partnerships for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), will be at Niabi to explain how the IUCN assess the extinction threats species face and how their conservation status is determined. She’ll also discuss how zoos and other organizations are collaborating to tackle extinction threats. RSVP at https://conta.cc/2H5tMhU.
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