2024
This is How We Get Ants – Ecological Effects of Ant Invasions – David Holway received a B.A. in zoology from UC Berkeley and a Ph.D in biology from the University of Utah. He joined the UC San Diego faculty in 2001 and has served as campus director of the UC Natural Reserve System and chair of the section of Ecology, Behavior & Evolution.
The Youth Apprentice Summer Experience – The Conservation and Environmental Stewardship Apprenticeship Program is a volunteer program at Cabrillo National Monument that connects female-identifying and nonbinary youth ages 13-18 to science at the park. With the guidance of female mentors, the youth engage in scientific research and science communication projects. As one of these capstone projects, the youth apprentices will present on their summer experience at Cabrillo National Monument.
The Endangered Species Act and How Everyone can Contribute to Conservation – Kaye London, Fish and Wildlife Biologist, works for US Fish and Wildlife Service as a Classification Biologist. She works with the species’ experts and Agency managers to apply the Endangered Species Act regulations. She provides input for determinations regarding listing status for at-risk and listed species. She got her start at Cabrillo National Monument as a volunteer in 2006 where she loved assisting with herp surveys, shorebird surveys, tidepool monitoring, or any opportunity available. She graduated from Humboldt State University and now works remotely for the Southeast Region for USFWS. Cabrillo National Monument remains one of her favorite places.
San Diego’s Native Bees and the Plants They Love – San Diego County is a biodiversity hotspot for both plants and pollinators. Patricia Simpson and Jess Mullins will be talking about native bees and the plants they depend on in the county and ways to support them in your backyard.
2023
Cultural Resources of Cabrillo National Monument – What does the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, the Visitor Center Complex, and the view from Whale Watch Trail all have in common? Why, these are just a few of the Cultural Resources at Cabrillo National Monument! Join Sabrena Stembridge, Cultural Resources Specialist at Cabrillo National Monument, as she discusses these and more in this Naturally Speaking science talk.
Flying Machines – Avian Adaptations for Flight – Biologist and science educator Sam Wynns is nerdy for birds. From their beautiful feathers, melodic songs, and silly dances she appreciates all things avian, but one amazing characteristic stands above all – their ability to fly. Join Sam as she explores avian adaptations for flight in this interactive, family friendly Naturally Speaking science talk.
What is Environmental History and What Can it Teach Us? – Join Ranger Cyrus Forman is an environmental historian, which means he investigates the past, present, and future of our ecosystems and the environmental movements that protect them. Join him for a live, virtual talk to learn about this fascinating topic and his work in the field.
The Great Migration – Gray Whales from Alaska to Baja – Join marine biologist Sarah Taber as she discusses Gray Whales, and what one might expect to see as they migrate through San Diego on their way to and from their breeding/calving lagoons.
2022
Should I Stay or Should I Go: Range Shifts in the Tidepools – Join Anthony Truong, Ecologist at Cabrillo, for a presentation on species shifting their ranges as a response to climate change.
Building San Salvador – Join Dr. Ray Ashley, President of the Maritime Museum of San Diego, for a presentation on the monumental undertaking of building a 16th century sailing vessel.
You are a Scientist: Exploration & Discovery with Community Science – Join vegetation technician and community science advocate Patricia Simpson as she introduces you to crowdsourcing for science, and learn about some amazing discoveries made by people like you.
Coastal Fog – A Lifeline for Native Plants – Join environmental scientist Taro Katayama and geoscientist Brent Wilder to learn more about the connection between plants and fog.
2021
Agaves and Bats: A Plant-Pollinator Love Story – Dr. Kristen Lear, bat conservationist, spoke on agave plants and the bats that pollinate them.
Diversity, natural history, and conservation of San Diego’s Native Bees – Dr. James Hung discussed San Diego’s 700+ species of native bees, including a rare find right here at the monument!
North American Rocky Intertidal Zones – Stephen Whitaker, a Marine Ecologist for the U.S. National Park Service at Channel Islands National Park
Conservation of the Smaller Majority – Paige Howorth – Curator of Entomology at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
Successful Pollination – Factors that Influence the Plants and Pollinators of Coastal Southern and Baja California – Dr. Sula Vanderplank – botanist and conservationist
