Some of world’s leading experts on climate change, invasive species and global water issues will share their knowledge during the 2016 Bernard and Susan Master “Moonlight on the Marsh” Distinguished Lecture Series presented by Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU).
The fourth annual series sponsored by FGCU’s Everglades Wetland Research Park runs from January through March. Topics will include timely issues of local, regional and global interest such as climate change, invasive species and global water issues. The free lectures are open to the public and are held at FGCU’s Harvey Kapnick Education and Research Center at the Naples Botanical Garden, 4940 Bayshore Drive, Naples.
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The series features the best minds in environmental sciences — some real rock stars in the world of science,” said FGCU Professor William J. Mitsch, director of the research park and Juliet C. Sproul Chair for Southwest Florida Habitat Restoration and Management. “Because our relationship with freshwater and coastal water environments is so vital in Southwest Florida, these lectures offer valuable insight and solutions to problems we see around us.”
The series kicked off Thursday, Jan. 14 with the hot topic of “Climate Change: The Evidence, People, and Our Options” presented by two distinguished Ohio State University professors. Lonnie G. Thompson, Ph.D., from the School of Earth Sciences, and Ellen Mosley-Thompson, Ph.D., from the Department of Geography, are affiliated with Ohio State’s Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center, an internationally recognized leader in polar, alpine and climate research.
Other lectures in the series are:
—Thursday, Jan. 28: “The Art and Science of Translating Ecological Indicators to Ecosystem Services for Wetlands, Streams and Riparian Corridors,” by Robert P. Brooks, Ph.D., Ruby S. and E. Willard Miller Professor of Geography and Ecology, Director of Riparia, Department of Geography, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, State College, Pa.
–Thursday, Feb. 11: “Expecting the Unexpected: Pandora’s Box of Paradox in an Upside-Down Estuary,” by Evelyn E. Gaiser, Ph.D., Executive Director, School of Environment, Arts and Society; Professor, Department of Biological Sciences and Southeast Environmental Research Center; Lead Principal Investigator, Florida Coastal Everglades Long-Term Ecological Research Program, Florida International University, Miami.
–Thursday, March 3: “When Nature Bites Back: Solving the Budget-Busting Invasive Species Epidemic” by David M. Lodge, Ph.D., Ludmilla F., Stephen J., and Robert T. Galla Professor of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Ind.
–Thursday, March 10: “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Global Water Issues” by Philippe Van Cappellen, Ph.D., Canada Excellence Research Chair in Ecohydrology, Water Institute, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
The series’ title sponsors, Bernard and Susan Master of Naples, support the science being done at the research park.
“We are proud to be part of Florida Gulf Coast University’s and Dr. William Mitsch’s efforts to restore the Everglades,” Bernard Master said.
All lectures are at 7 p.m. in the Kapnick Center auditorium. Seats can be reserved by calling (239) 325-1365.
The Everglades Wetland Research Park is dedicated to research on the wise management of freshwater and coastal ecosystems of Southwest Florida and the Florida Everglades and to the protection and enhancement of wetlands and water resources worldwide.