2007 <i>Discovery Series</i> Lectures

Date: January 3, 2007
Contact: Jorge Acevedo, 305-230-1144, x3035

Biscayne National Park will once again be presenting monthly lectures on the park's diverse resources. The Discovery Series, hosted by the Coconut Grove Sailing Club at 2990 South Bayshore Drive, takes place at 7:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of every month from January through April 2007. The series is free and open to the public. Topics for this 7th year of the popular series are:

• January 10, 2007
  The Days of Biscayne Bay
  Presented by Marsha Colbert, Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserves
  
  Like a soap opera, daily life in, on and around Biscayne Bay is full of drama and deception, treasure and treachery. Biologist and natural historian Marsha Colbert offers a portrayal of the lives and complex interactions of some of the fish, birds, invertebrates, marine mammals, plants, and people of South Florida’s favorite bay.
  
  
• February 14, 2007
  Managing Coral Reefs: A Community Experience
  Presented by Richard Curry, Biscayne National Park
  
  Biscayne National Park protects the northern reaches of the world’s third-longest coral reef. With coral reefs in decline around the world, join the park’s Chief Scientist Richard Curry for a look at the park’s coral reef nursery project, an innovative effort utilizing researchers and community volunteers to help save coral reefs.
  
  
• March 14, 2007
  Rare and Endangered Reptiles of Florida
  Presented by Joe Wasilewski, Natural Selections
  
  Florida’s climate and diverse habitats make it a haven for a wide variety of snakes, lizards and turtles. With South Florida ranking near the top in the number of imported exotic reptiles, many of these unique animals are becoming even harder to find. Wildlife biologist Joe Wasilewski shares insights from his work with American crocodiles, Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes, diamondback terrapins and more.
  
  
• April 11, 2007
  Reef Fish: Here and There, Then and Now
  Presented by Todd Kellison, National Marine Fisheries Service
  
  We’ve all heard old timers talking about the way things used to be, those stories about what fishing was like in the "good old days," and how much better the fishing was here or there. Is there any truth to those stories, or are they just whale tales? Join Dr. Todd Kellison, a NOAA Research Fishery Biologist, for a look at changing fish populations in Biscayne National Park and nearby areas.
  

Details of Discovery Series lectures and other events sponsored by the park, including glass bottom boat and snorkeling trips, excursions to Elliott and Boca Chita Key, and monthly Family Fun Fests, are available by clicking on the Events Calendar link on the park's website at www.nps.gov/bisc/, or by calling the park's visitor center at 305-230-7275, extension 0.