Science in the Mountains: A Passport to Science
Join us this summer for our sixth annual Science in the Mountains lecture series!
This free series is held at the Mount Washington Observatory Weather Discovery Center in North Conway on six successive Wednesday nights in July and August. All programs begin at 7pm, and we encourage you to arrive early to claim your seat.
2013 Schedule
July 17: White Mountain National Forest Wildlife
Clare Long, Conservation Educator for the White Mountain National ForestThe White Mountain National Forest is 800,000 acres of forested wilderness spanning much of north central New Hampshire and a portion of western Maine. Though one of the most visited and utilized National Forests, it contains much in the way of diversity. From river floodplain to boreal forest, pastoral fields to beaver bogs, explore what animals can be found in the different stages of forest found throughout the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
July 24: Project OspreyTrack: Using Satellite Transmitters to Track New Hampshire Ospreys
Iain MacLeod, Executive Director of Squam Lakes Natural Science CenterLearn about the amazing and hazardous migrations of ospreys from New Hampshire to South America. Using solar-powered, GPS-enabled lightweight transmitters, MacLeod and his colleague Dr. Rob Bierregaard have followed four ospreys, revealing just how dangerous their migration can be (especially for inexperienced youngsters). See how this cutting-edge technology is providing the tools for international research collaboration and education.
July 31: The Ecology of the North Woods: A Closer Look at Summer
Chris Lewey, Executive Director and Founder of RAVEN Interpretive ProgramsTake an ecological look at summer in northern New Hampshire. Our adventure begins at the summit of Mount Washington, where rare and intriguing alpine flora can be seen surviving the harsh, Arctic-like conditions. Then, descend into the forest and valleys below for a closer look at some of the Granite State's wildlife, including how they survive drastic seasonal changes and how the northern environment has shaped them.
August 7: State of the Loon: The Natural History, Challenges, and Successes of Loons in New Hampshire
Harry Vogel, Biologist and Co-chair of the Northeast Loon Study Working GroupHave you ever wondered why a loon's eyes are red? Why loon chicks ride on their parents' backs? What loons are saying with those eerie calls in the night? Learn about this unique symbol of New Hampshire's wild lakes and its special place in the hearts of New Hampshire residents. Explore the challenges facing loons, and the Loon Preservation Committee's work to safeguard New Hampshire's threatened loon population.
August 14: Black Bear Happenings in New Hampshire
Tom Mooney, Fish and Wildlife Steward for the New Hampshire Fish and Game DepartmentHumans have always been interested in black bears, and they occupy many places in our culture—from Native American ceremonies to children's Teddy bears. Learn about the natural history of this New Hampshire native species, and explore some of the research and management activities of bears in New Hampshire. Because bears need a variety of habitats to thrive, managing habitat for bears benefits many other species.
August 21: What's Happening to our Bats?
Rebecca Peterman, Conservation Education Coordinator at the White Mountain National Forest Androscoggin Ranger DistrictBats play a vital role in the world's ecosystem and economy, comprising 20% of all mammal species and ranking as the top predator of night-flying insects. New Hampshire is home to eight bat species and five of those are threatened by White Nose Syndrome. Come learn about this mysterious disease, its far-reaching consequences, and what you can do to help scientists understand and slow its spread in North America.
For more information, please contact Director of Education Michelle Cruz, at mcruz@mountwashington.org or (800) 706-0432 ext. 225.
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