Zoological Society’s Natural History Course

The Fall 2013 Bermuda Natural History Course is set to begin next month, courtesy of the Bermuda Zoological Society.

Considered one of the best natural history learning opportunity for teachers, budding scientists and amateur naturalists, the two-part course runs annually in the spring and fall. The fall session includes weekly lectures on a variety of topics each Thursday evening, beginning October 3, as well as Sunday afternoon guided field trips, beginning October 6, and will give participants a new perspective on Bermuda’s natural history and development, as well as the challenges the island faces due to natural and man-made impacts on our environment

“Participants are going to hear from local experts – it is such an exciting window into Bermuda’s natural history given by the people that know it the best,” explained BZS Education Officer, Dr. Jamie Bacon.“You’ve got experts like Andrew Dobson discussing Bermuda’s birds, Dr. David Wingate discussing man’s impact, and Mark Outerbridge talking about conservation research. I’m talking about the effects of pollution in our amphibians. It’s a very broad spectrum of topics, and I don’t know where else adults would get the opportunity to get this kind of information from the experts themselves.”

According to Lynn Thorne, coordinator for the programme, “The Bermuda Natural History Course is a fantastic opportunity for individuals interested in Bermuda’s natural history to study and gain knowledge about an array of topics concerning our terrestrial and oceanic surroundings. It covers a wide variety of subjects, from coral reefs to caves, invasive to protected species, how we interact with our environment, and how we can best utilize and manage Bermuda’s resources, as well as the exhilarating prospect of animal encounters!”

“This year’s lineup will prove to be as dynamic as before with well-honed speakers who are experts in their fields of study,” Mrs. Thorne shared.

Lectures begin at 6pm and will include:

• Oceanic Island Biology – Lynn Thorne, Natural History Course Coordinator and Interpretive Tours & Wildlife [Bird] Rehabilitator
• Introduction to Bermuda’s Flora – Lisa Green, Collections Officer, Natural History Museum, Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo
• Wonders within Bermuda’s Coral Reefs – Dr. Robbie Smith, Curator, Natural History Museum, Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo
• Looking up to Bermuda’s Avifauna – Andrew Dobson, Warwick Academy teacher and President of the Bermuda Audubon Society
• Why is Bermuda Toadally Toxic – Dr. Jamie Bacon, Education Officer, BZS, and Principal Investigator, Bermuda Amphibian Project
• It’s all about Geology, Geology, Geology! – Robert Chandler, Geology instructor and naturalist
• Overview of Bermuda’s Protected Species – Mark Outerbridge, PhD student, University of Cork, and Ecologist, Department of Conservation Services
• The Potential Impact of Lionfish in Bermuda – Corey Eddy, PhD student, University of Massachusetts School of Marine Science
• Man’s Impact on Bermuda – Dr. David Wingate, Retired Chief Conservation Officer
• Hurricane Ecology & Cahow Recovery Project – Jeremy Madeiros, Senior Terrestrial Conservation Officer, Department of Conservation Services

Field trips are weather permitting, and are expected to include a snorkeling trip, a bird watching and pond ecology walk at Spittal Pond, a hike through Walsingham Jungle and Admiral’s Cave, a walk through the Alfred Blackburn Nature Reserve, and a visit to Nonsuch Island.

The cost for the Course is $140 for BZS members and $170 for non-members, with discounts offered to those who are regular volunteers. Field trips are only open to course participants.

Registration forms are available on the BZS website [www.bzs.bm] and should be submitted by email tothorne@northrock.bm. For more information, contact Lynn Thorne by calling 799-8888.

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Category: All, Environment, History