EAT, DRINK & LEARN: The View from Here

Part of Irvine’s 7-part Adult Lecture Series – Eat, Drink & Learn

The View from Here: Observations on Climate Change, Habitat Loss, and other Challenges Facing Baltimore Checkerspots and other Maryland Butterflies

All seven species of sea turtles are classified as either threatened or endangered, and several of these species are common, seasonal visitors to the mid-Atlantic and New England coasts during months when water temperatures are above 68 F. The National Aquarium has been rehabilitating sick and injured sea turtles for thirty years, but surprisingly the conservation impact of this program reaches far beyond the waters of Maryland.  The average sea turtle patient at the National Aquarium will travel more than 1,400 miles during rehabilitation – from stranding location to release location. You’ll learn more about the complex, and highly collaborative process to conserve critically endangered sea turtles.

Signature Drink: butterfly pea blossoms & Botanicals, plus checkerspot beer

Guest Presenter: Jen Selfridge, Invertebrate Ecologist, Maryland DNR Wildlife & Heritage Service
Thursday, February 23rd
6:30-9:00PM

FULL SERIES PRICING (7 EVENTS):

• Member $390 per person
• Non-member $455 per person

SINGLE EVENT PRICING:

• Member $60 per person
• Non-member $70 per person

Register HERE

Jen Selfridge serves as the Invertebrate Ecologist for the Natural Heritage Program, Wildlife and Heritage Service, of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Originally from Brooklyn, New York, she started her career studying threatened and endangered shorebirds on New York State barrier beaches after receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from the City University of New York – Brooklyn College. She later managed the Butterfly Conservatory at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City until moving to Syracuse to obtain her Master of Science Degree in Conservation Biology at the State University of New York – College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Upon completion of her degree, she moved to Montana where she surveyed mammals and birds in remote areas of the eastern part of the state. She moved to Maryland in 2005 and has served as the State’s Invertebrate Ecologist since that time.

At DNR, Jen oversees the state list of rare, threatened, and endangered invertebrates. In addition to inventory projects and rare species monitoring, she conducts research into the life history and habitat needs for often poorly known insect species. She plans and participates in management and restoration projects, including prescribed burns, mechanical clearing, and thinning projects, invasives species control and meadow enhancement. She believes that even the smallest creatures have fascinating stories to tell. She enjoys hiking in the mountains of the northeast and is an avid reader of fiction.