Sharks in Southwest Florida

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

 

Speaker: Patrick O’Donnell, Fisheries Biologist, Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

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Patrick will discuss his two decades of research on sharks in southern Florida,including his work on how the massive Picayune Strand Restoration Project affects the shark population. Reserve your ticket here. 

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Pumas of Patagonia

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

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Speaker: Cherie Pittillo

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Ms. Pittillo will share her photos and stories of photographing the elusive pumas of South America. An author and award-winning photographer with BS and Master degrees in Biology, she has lived in Africa and in Yucatan, Mexico. For 13 years her monthly wildlife column with her photography continues to publish in print and online of three Mexican newspapers. Photographic publications vary from the books Dogs with Jobs, A Thousand Places to See before You Die, and the BBC book, Incredible Journeys, to diverse magazines including Reader’s Digest, biology textbooks, zoo magazines, and calendars. Her lifelong goal to photograph mountain lions finally came true November 2022. Reserve your ticket here. 

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Early Nature Artists in Florida

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

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Speaker: Christopher Fasolino, Author

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Florida’s amazing landscapes and fascinating wildlife were sources of inspiration for early naturalists seeking new horizons. Chris's engaging book, highlighting the art and travels of Mark Catesby, William Bartram and John James Audubon, is available for sale in our gift shop now and will be available for sale the night of the presentation. Reserve your ticket here. 

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Cuban Ranchos

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

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Speaker: Adam Knight, Museum Manager, Mound House, Ft. Myers Beach

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The Cuban Fishing Industry on the Florida Gulf Coast consisted of fishermen from Cuba setting up camps, first seasonal and then year-round, on the Gulf shores to fish its mullet, pompano, sea trout, redfish, and sharks. Known as the rancho fishing industry, the ranchos (pescadores ranchos) exploited the marine resources for the Havana market, starting around 1765 with the industry expanding during British rule (1763-1783) and ending by1840 during the Second Seminole War (1835-1842). The ranchos were profitable, complicated communities of diverse peoples. The legacies of that era are found with geographic names throughout the region. Reserve your ticket here. 

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Drying Up: The Fresh Water Crisis in Florida

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

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Speaker: John Dunn, Author

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Why is America’s wettest state running out of water? Florida—with its swamps, lakes, extensive coastlines, and legions of life-giving springs—faces a drinking water crisis. Mr. Dunn will discuss his book, Drying Up, a wake-up call and a hard look at what the future holds for those who call Florida home. Reserve your ticket here. 

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