Daily Archives: March 24, 2019

Wednesday, April 10, 6:00 pm – Chasing Ants (And Their Microbes) in the Rainforest

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Corrie Moreau, Moser Professor of Arthropod Biosystematics and Biodiversity, Cornell University , will give a free public lecture on April 10 at 6 pm in the Geological Lecture Hall of the Harvard Museum of Natural History, 24 Oxford Street in Cambridge.

Microbes play critical roles in the biology and health of human beings, but we are not the only species that benefits from intimate relationships with microbes. Ants, for instance, rely on the microbial communities living in their guts to process food and make strong armor. Corrie Moreau will discuss this unique aspect of ant biology and what it tells us about the diversity and dominance of ants in terrestrial ecosystems, the evolutionary history of social insects, and the broad-scale evolutionary patterns of life.

Evolution Matters Lecture Series

Series supported by a generous gift from Drs. Herman and Joan Suit

Free event parking at the 52 Oxford Street Garage

Wednesday, April 10, 7:00 pm – Celebrate National Bat Appreciation Day

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To celebrate National Bat Appreciation Day (April 17th), MassWildlife’s Bat Conservation Program Coordinator, Jennifer Longsdorf, will share her knowledge and experience regarding the most underappreciated and misunderstood mammal on Earth. During her seven years with MassWildlife’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, Jennifer has been involved with a variety of conservation and restoration projects aiding red-bellied cooters, bald eagles, peregrine falcons, coastal waterbirds, salamanders, and, more recently, bats. Bats are fascinating and unique creatures that play a critical role in many environments around the world. However, dramatic population declines have put bats in the spotlight recently. Come to discover how human activity and White-nose Syndrome have decimated bat populations. Learn the general facts and help dispel common myths and fears about these shy, gentle, and intelligent creatures. Join us for some tips on how to help conserve and protect these ecosystem superheroes. The April 10 program of the Athol Bird and Nature Club will begin at 7 pm at The Millers River Environmental Center, 100 Main Street, Athol. The program is free and open to the public. For more information visit http://atholbirdclub.org.

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