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| Don Riepe, American Littoral Society |
| A great egret visits Jamaica Bay, Queens |
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Date: November 5, 2009
Contact: Julia Clebsch, 718-318-4340
On November 11 and 18, guest presenters will share their insights concerning the science and natural history of Jamaica Bay. These presentations are part of the annual Herbert Johnson Lecture Series at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. This series is free and open to the public. Presentations will begin at 7 PM.
Two presentations will take place on Wednesday, November 11, examining citizen science in Jamaica Bay and the bay's possible repopulation of oysters.
Bioblitz Jamaica Bay: Citizen Science and Biodiversity in an NYC National Park will reveal how professionals and park visitors can work together to monitor animals and plants in Jamaica Bay over a 24-hour period. Suzi Zetkus, Bioblitz Organizer, will discuss how the public can contribute to this effort along with Gillian Stewart, Assistant Professor at Queens College-CUNY, and Rebecca Boger, Assistant Professor at Brooklyn College-CUNY.
When Europeans first came to Jamaica Bay, it was rich with oysters. Dr. Jeffrey Levinton, PhD, will consider the question Can Oysters Be Restored to Jamaica Bay? Levinton, Distinguished Professor at Stony Brook-SUNY and author of several books, has studied marine ecological processes and problems for decades.
Lectures on Wednesday, November 18 will consider Gateway's plant life and waterfowl populations.
On November 18, Aissa Feldmann will discuss The Greens of Gateway. Feldmann, an ecologist with the NY Natural Heritage Program, will discuss the results of an extensive vegetation mapping project at Jamaica Bay. Gateway and Jamaica Bay offer surprising and diverse habitats for plants, including both common and rare species.
When Bryan L. Swift thinks of Jamaica Bay, he says, "It's Ducky!" Swift, a Waterfowl Specialist with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, will discuss waterfowl research and management in the New York City and Long Island region. Topics include duck banding, waterfowl monitoring, flyway importance, and a bit about overwintering ducks and geese--just in time for peak waterfowl-watching season!
All programs begin at 7 PM and end at about 9 PM. The Herbert Johnson Lecture Series is an opportunity to learn a little, discuss a little, and participate in a Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge tradition.
