Programs

WESTERN CUYAHOGA AUDUBON LECTURE SERIES for the 2011 - 2012 season.

Presentations are at 7:30 PM at the Rocky River Nature Center located in the Rocky River Metropark unless otherwise noted. Guests are always welcome to programs and to introduce them to the Audubon mission.

 

* Programs are subject to change.

We sell Shade-grown organic coffee at all our programs. The coffee is available decaf and regular. The prices are very reasonable. Come in try some. We serve it at our programs too.

See Kit for Shade-Grown Coffee.

  

SEPTEMBER PROGRAM

 Tuesday, September 6 at 7:30 PM

 

“In the Footsteps of Roger Tory Peterson – Birding Newfoundland”. In 1953 Roger Tory Peterson and his British colleague, James Fisher, began a legendary journey around North America to see as many different birds and landscapes as possible in a single year.  Their journey began at Cape St. Mary’s in Newfoundland.  This presentation by Casey Tucker, founder and director of the American Avian Conservation Association, is an examination of Cape St. Mary’s Eco-Reserve and its wildlife 50 years after Peterson & Fisher’s expedition.

 

OCTOBER PROGRAM

Tuesday, October 4 at 7:30 PM

What could be better than creepy crawlies in October?  How about learning that things are not as creepy (they still are crawly) as they seem.  Entomologist, James Smolka, will share his collection of mounted and LIVE insects, scorpions, millipedes and tarantulas from around the world in his program, “Bugs Unlimited.”  We know insects and other invertebrates are important in the environment so now is our chance to see them up close and personal!

NOVEMBER PROGRAM

Tuesday, November 1 at 7:30 PM

"From Basketball to Bobolinks: The Real Miracle of Richfield". As the home of the Cleveland Cavaliers and a rock-and-roll concert hall, the Richfield Coliseum stood as a regional landmark for decades.  Now that same site is an exceptional landmark for different reasons.  The sounds of crowds cheering and guitars wailing have given way to songs of bobolinks, meadowlarks and other grassland birds.  Dr. Lisa Petit of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park will share the story of a remarkable transformation from concrete and asphalt to a high quality natural resource in northeastern Ohio.

DECEMBER PROGRAM

Tuesday, December 6 at 6:30 PM – this is our Holiday Potluck but program begins at 7:30 PM

Enjoy the beauty of the American southwest in the photographic program, “A Naturalist’s Perspective of the Southwest”, by writer, photographer and naturalist David Dvorak Jr.  Along with the beautiful scenery, the flora and fauna of the area, especially birds, will be highlighted.

Don’t forget about our Annual Silent Auction during dinner! Bring your new or gently used or hand-made items to donate for this fun fundraiser, and some extra cash to buy great stuff.  (Bird or nature-related items are preferred.)

JANUARY PROGRAM

Tuesday, January 3, 2011 at 7:30 PM

Climate change is a subject that has become controversial and highly political, but the science behind climate change is increasingly evident.  Dr. Eric Schreiber will present a program entitled "Global Warming, an Emergency in Slow Motion". This presentation looks at the evidence of rapidly changing climate, its impact in various parts of the world and solutions that can help slow the process. 

 

FEBRUARY PROGRAM

Tuesday, February 7 at 7:30 PM

 

El Chocó is the northwestern-most part of Colombia sharing a border with Panama. An area of low tropical rain forest and mountain foothills, it is home to immense biodiversity with over 800 species of birds and 1500 butterfly species, natural marvels and indigenous cultures.  Documentarian and activist, Steve Cagan, will take us into this rich area in his presentation, “El Chocó, Colombia: An Unknown Natural Treasure.”

For the March program meeting only:
To get to the Rocky River Nature Center you must enter via Shepard Lane off Mastick Road. The entrance off Valley Parkway will be closed.

MARCH PROGRAM

Tuesday, March 6 at 7:30 PM

Learning bird songs can feel a little overwhelming at times – especially during spring migration!  Bird song is music and the techniques used in ear training and music appreciation classes can provide valuable tools for identification of avian musicians and their repertoire.  Lisa Rainsong, Music Theory faculty member of the Cleveland Institute of Music, will help you sort out the singers and their songs through an approach that can be applied to many of the birds we hear in the presentation, “Birdsong Ear Training Techniques: Sorting out the Singers in the Chorus!”

 

APRIL PROGRAM

Tuesday, April 3 at 7:30 PM

Natural gas is a cleaner fuel than burning coal, but the extraction process is controversial.  Chris Perry Supervisor, Energy Resources Group of the Ohio Division of Natural Resources-Geological Survey will discuss the basics of natural gas, how it was formed, where it is underground and the extraction process.  His discussion will provide you with information.  This is NOT a debate on whether or not to drill.

 

MAY PROGRAM

Tuesday, May 1 at 7:30 PM

"Ohio's Underworld: Surprises in the Dark."   Cave expert, Dr. Horton Hobbs, will present information on caves and Ohio’s karst region followed by results of ongoing research in Ohio’s subterranean world. Above ground features, such as springs, sinkholes, blue holes and rock shelters, as well as below the surface formations will be highlighted.  In addition, cave-adapted organisms that dwell in the underworld of Ohio will be featured. 

  

JUNE PROGRAM

Tuesday, June 5 at 6:00 PM

Picnic and plant exchange - NOT at Rocky River Nature Center – held outdoors at a picnic shelter

 

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, so lots is planned.