Eco-Watch, Gumbo Limbo’s popular lecture series, is back for Winter/Spring 2012!
Are you interested in learning about the natural world around us? Join us on the first and third Wednesdays of the month (from January 18 – May 2). Also join us on Tuesday, May 8 for an additional lecture!
The program takes place in Gumbo Limbo’s classroom starting at 7:00 pm. Talks are followed by light refreshments and a chance to talk to the speaker.
Eco-Watch talks are recommended for ages 14 and up, and an adult must attend with children under the age of 18. Reservations accepted but not required (561) 338-1542. There is no required fee to attend a talk; however donations (suggested $5 donation per person) are accepted to help offset the cost of the program.
May 2
Kirt Rusenko, PhD, Marine Conservationist, City of Boca Raton\Gumbo Limbo Nature Center
“Sea Turtle Research and Conservation in Boca Raton”
Dr. Kirt Rusenko has been the Marine Conservationist for the City of Boca Raton, based at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center since 1985. He manages the Boca Raton Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program that monitors sea turtles on Boca Raton’s five miles of nesting beach habitat. In addition, he oversees the Center’s four outdoor educational seawater tanks and their inhabitants. He has expertise in the reduction of many forms of beachfront and inland lighting which has destructive effects to sea turtles and other wildlife. Kirt works with the City’s Environmental Officer and Code Enforcement to insure beachfront construction/renovation projects in Boca Raton meet the City and State codes for lighting and dune restoration. As a pioneer in biological techniques for reducing predation, Dr. Kirt has been working with the State of North Carolina to find a solution to fox predation of sea turtle nests. Based on his expertise conservation of sea turtles in urban/suburban environments, he has served as a consultant to the government of Costa Rica to develop a coastal code for their rapid shoreline development. He has also served in an expert capacity for sea turtle conservation issues stemming from beach renourishment and coastal construction in Palm Beach County. Kit serves for two terms (2010, 2011) as the Florida East Coast Representative for the Sea Turtle License Plate Grant Selection Committee. He works as a consultant with the City of Hollywood (FL) Community Redevelopment Association to suggest environmentally friendly beachfront lighting changes during redevelopment projects. Dr. Kirt has also held positions as a Research Assistant Professor of Dermatology at University of North Carolina Medical School in Chapel Hill, and as an Environmental Specialist for Florida Power and Light at the St. Lucie Nuclear Power Plant.
Upcoming:
May 8 Ivan R. Schwab M.D., Professor of Ophthalmology, University of California, “How Eyes Came To Be"