[SEMCO] Mass Audubon lectures and walks at Long Pasture, Cummaquid

[Becky Harris]

Join new Mass Audubon staff at Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary in Cummaquid
for November lectures and walks!

Turtles in Peril: Why the Worlds Freshwater Turtles Are in Such Trouble, and
What’s Being Done to Help
Thursday, November 9, 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Ian Ives, Director, Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary
The world’s 300 living tortoises and freshwater turtles are an evolutionary
success story, having existed for nearly 300 million years.  However, the
previously successful survival adaptations of turtles have left them
vulnerable to new potentially devastating threats posed by human
exploitation and development-related pressures.  Ian Ives conducted his
master’s thesis research on two endangered Asian turtle species and has
years of experience in turtle conservation.  He will provide both a
historical perspective on the issue as well as an explanation of current
conservation efforts worldwide.

Coastal Waterbird Program: Celebrating 20 Years of Protection and Stories
from the Field
Thursday, November 16, 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Becky Harris, Director, Coastal Waterbird Program
Mass Audubon’s Coastal Waterbird Program celebrates its 20th year, and
populations of beach nesting birds in the state have increased up to
four-fold over the past two decades. Although plover, tern and American
oystercatcher populations still face numerous threats, their recovery in
Massachusetts represents an important conservation success story. Join the
new director for a presentation on the history of the program, an update on
progress, interesting anecdotes, and lessons from researchers dedicated to
plover and tern conservation.

Fall Migration and Sea Ducks at Barnstable Harbor
Saturday, November 11, 9:30 - 10:30 am
Wednesday, November 15, 1- 2:30 pm
Leaders:  Becky Harris, Director, Coastal Waterbird Program and Chris Walz,
Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary

Explore the shoals of Barnstable harbor at low tide in search of sea ducks,
lingering migrants, and seashore creatures.  From the beach landing at Long
Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary in Cummaquid we will walk along the shoreline
while those with waders can venture out along the flats towards the Sandy
Neck Lighthouse.  Bring binoculars if you have them - the waterfowl show in
the area can be spectacular this time of year!

Programs are free and open to the public, and will be held at Long Pasture
Wildlife Sanctuary, 345 Bone Hill Rd., Cummaquid. Please register by calling
508-632-7475 x9350 or email iives at massaudubon.org

Rebecca J. Harris, PhD
Director, Coastal Waterbird Program
Massachusetts Audubon Society
PO Box 275
345 Bone Hill Road, Long Pasture
Cummaquid, MA 02367
cell: 508-648-0663
ph: 508-362-7475 x9351
email: bharris at massaudubon.org