2009-10 “Speaking of Nature” Lecture Series
FLCC Muller Field Station
6455 County Road 36 -
Honeoye, New York
Please join us for an exciting and informative lecture series at the Muller Field Station of Finger Lakes Community College. Presentations by college faculty, staff and local scientists are free and light refreshments will be provided. Seating is limited and reservations are required for each program. For more information and to make reservations, call Nancy Lawson at 394-3500, extension 7257.
Tuesday, October 13, 7:00-8:30 pm
Exclusively Eagles with Paul Schnell. New York is home to two eagle species. One, the Bald Eagle, has made a truly remarkable recovery lasting three decades. The other, the Golden Eagle, is an occasional visitor rarely seen except on its seasonal migratory wanderings. Naturalist Paul Schnell will discuss the natural history and future of these impressive eagles using a Power Point presentation. Following the program will be a Q & A period and the audience's opportunity to meet Liberty, a 21-year-old female Bald Eagle, and Bron-yr-aur a 25-year-old male Golden Eagle. Cameras are welcome!"
Wednesday, November 18, 7:00-8:30 pm
3700 Miles of Back Roads at 10 MPH with Jim Kersting. Jim and Sara Kersting live in Canadice, and spent 10 weeks in late summer 2008 crossing the country, Jim on his bike, and Sara scouting out campsites with the pickup and tent camper. Their talk will include pictures, maps, and stories of people, dogs, food, and the unusual encounters when living and riding on the edges of this vast country.
The idea for the cross-country bicycle trip sprouted from their rural roots of childhood. Sara spent hers on a family farm in the Sacramento Valley, while Jim’s was with his dad in SW Minnesota at the Kersting Dairy. Spending time in small towns and back roads, and doing it at 10 mph with 60-mile days seemed ideal. Jim, and a fellow Finger Lakes Land Trust past- president Brad Edmondson, wanted to pedal the 3700 miles, and Sara was willing to drive the truck with the small pop-up camper in tow. She quickly earned the title “Sacagawea”. Neither Jim nor Brad had done any bike touring before this trip. Sara had never pulled the camper before. All three survived, and are still talking to each other...most of the time anyhow.
Tuesday, December 29, 7:00-8:30 pm
Fishes of the St. Lawrence with John Farrell. The upper St. Lawrence River is the only natural outlet to the Great Lakes and is a top ten river globally in terms of its flow. Over 85 fish species have been documented in New York’s waters of the St. Lawrence. Research on the aquatic environment has been conducted out of the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry Thousand Islands Biological Station for several decades. We will examine fish diversity as well as life history and management for several remarkable species including American eel, lake sturgeon, and the muskellunge.
Thursday, January 28 , 7:00-8:30 pm–
The Life and Legend of Emil Muller with Bruce Gilman, Finger Lakes Community College. An immigrant to the United States, Emil made his fortune as a respected builder in the Rochester area, but how did he acquire an interest in wildlife? Why did he choose the Honeoye Valley for his summer home? What positive contributions to the local community did he make during his lifetime? And what is the truth behind the stories told about Emil? Based on interviews with friends and family, archival research, and recollections from people who worked for Emil, our current field station director will explore the nature of this complex and intriguing individual.
Wednesday, February 24, 7:00-8:30 pm
Wild Alaska; FLCC Campus North with Marty Dodge, Finger Lakes Community College. This 66 minute DVD captures the essence of wild Alaska. Follow 12 FLCC students and their instructor, Marty Dodge, along their 33 day journey in June and July of 2008 about Prince William Sound and into the heart of the Wrangell St. Elias National Park. Natural history and economic considerations catch emphasis.
Tuesday, March 9, 7:00-8:30 pm
Coyotes Among Us with Scott Smith, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. What exactly is this animal known as the eastern coyote? What do they eat? How many are there? How did they get here? Do I have to worry about my children or pets? There are a lot of questions about this large canid of the Northeast. Come and take a peek at some of the habits, and maybe some of the answers, of this adaptable carnivore
Wednesday, April 21, 7:00-8:30 pm
Everybody Loves Turtles with Clinton Krager, Finger Lakes Community College. People often associate reptiles with the slimy crawlies: snakes, lizards and alligators. This association is not always accurate. But regardless of people’s opinions of reptiles, most love turtles. There are several unique species of turtles in the Finger Lakes region. We will be examining the natural history of turtles, discussing what species are found in NY State, specifically the Finger Lakes region, their distribution, and status in the wild.
Tuesday, May 4, 7:00-8:30 pm
The 2009 Honeoye Lake Walleye Run Update with John Foust, Finger Lakes Community College. Over the past several years Finger Lakes Community College faculty, staff, and students have captured, spawned and raised walleye from Honeoye Lake at the Muller Fish Culture and Aquatic Research Center. Join us for a presentation on the walleye spawning process and an update from the 2009 production season.
Tuesday, June 15, 6:00-8:00 pm
Channel Paddle with Berna Ticonchuk, Finger Lakes Community College. Canoe or kayak through the beautiful Honeoye Inlet wetlands. You may catch a glimpse of a beaver or river otter. Some college boats can be provided but you are encouraged to bring your own. Limited to 10 people so make your reservation early.