WILDLIFE OF THE NORTHEAST
Online Presentation Series
Monthly, October, 2024 - May, 2025
weekdays from 7:00-8:00pm
Free and open to all! Featuring a different guest presenter and fascinating topic about the wonderful wildlife of the northeastern U.S. each month! Advance registration for each presentation is required (via the registration links provided below).
Wednesday, October 23rd
“Understanding Barriers, Bringing People to the Natural World”
Presenter: Sebastian Moreno, University of Massachusetts Amherst
In this presentation Sebastian will share his ongoing research at UMass on the intersection of birds and urban communities. More specifically, this will focus on how fostering inclusivity can enhance bird conservation efforts. Sebastian will speak to this as part of his own personal journey with nature having grown up in New York City and then moved to rural Pennsylvania.
Thursday, November 14th
“Critter Candids! Using Trail Cameras to Learn About Wildlife”
Presenter: Laken Ganoe, University of Rhode Island
Lights, camera...ACTION! Cameras are not only for the big Hollywood stars, but for the wildlife stars as well. Join us to learn about how to use trail cameras to capture photos of your backyard critters, and how those same trail cameras are used by researchers to study wildlife.
Tuesday, December 10th
“Wildlife Rehabilitation at Millstone Wildlife Center”
Presenter: Frannie Greenberg, Millstone Wildlife Center
Join MWC Executive Director, Frannie Greenberg, as we learn about what goes on in the rehab setting. It’s not just holding cute babies and happy releases. Frannie explores the day to day activities preparing injured, ill, and orphaned wild mammals to be released back into their natural habitat.
Wednesday, January 15th
“Black Bears in Massachusetts”
Presenter: Dave Wattles, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
Dave Wattles, Mass Wildlife’s Black Bear and Furbearer Biologist, will describe the history of the black bear population in Massachusetts and its remarkable recovery during the last 50 years. In addition to bear ecology, he will discuss the results of 15 years of radio- and GPS- collaring research. The collar data has revealed information on reproduction, survival, causes of mortality, habitat use, and movement. He will also talk about coexisting with bears.
Tuesday, February 11th
“Big Night: Grassroots Efforts to Protect Migrating Amphibians”
Presenter: Brett Thelen, Harris Center for Conservation Education
Every year, on the first warm, rainy nights of spring, thousands of salamanders and frogs migrate to vernal pools and other wetlands to breed in a phenomenon known as "Big Night." Sadly, many are killed when they must cross busy roads. Join longtime Salamander Crossing Brigade coordinator Brett Amy Thelen to discover the magic of Big Night -- and to learn how community members in southwestern New Hampshire and beyond are coming together to help spring-migrating amphibians survive the most dangerous journey of their lives.
Thursday, March 20th
“Bats: Diversity and Conservation in Connecticut and Beyond”
Presenter: Devaughn Fraser, Connecticut Dept. of Energy & Environmental Protection
Bats are one of the most unique, diverse, and extraordinary groups of mammals on the planet. Sadly, they are also one of the most imperiled. A devastating disease known as “white nose syndrome” has been afflicting our bats in the region for the past 15+ years. This has led to greater than 90% declines in several bat species here in the Northeast. In this presentation, Connecticut state biologist Dr. Devaughn Fraser will introduce the audience to the diversity of bats in the northeastern U.S., share insights about their fascinating ecology, and discuss methods used to monitor and protect these critical members of our natural communities.
Thursday, April 10th
“Humanity for Habitat: Saving Nature at Home”
Presenter: Susannah Lerman, USDA Forest Service
Private residential properties (“yards”) encompass large proportions of urban, suburban, and rural spaces. As such, yards represent a conservation opportunity to provide wildlife habitat, support biodiversity, and increase local opportunities for people to connect with nature. In this presentation, Susannah will discuss a “humanity for habitat” stewardship practice which aims to inspire and encourage active participation in conservation actions where people live. This will include discussing ways people can enhance their yards to create residential landscapes that benefit both wildlife and people.
Tuesday, May 13th
“Bird Migration: Connections Across Hemispheres”
Presenter: Bill DeLuca, National Audubon Society
Have you ever seen a strange, colorful bird singing in your backyard in the spring? Have you wondered where that bird came from or maybe where it might be headed? Did you wonder why you were so lucky to have it in your backyard? In this presentation Bill will tell the story, using examples of hundreds of tracked migratory birds, of how northeastern birds travel across hemispheres and how scientists track them. Bill will also discuss things you can do, from turning off our lights at night, to maintaining brush piles and keeping sources of water available, to help them on their journey.