Human activities are threatening freshwater ecosystems across the globe.  Amphibians are particularly vulnerable to human activities with populations declining worldwide. Understanding the myriad ways our activities influence amphibians is paramount to conservation efforts.

Members of the Hua lab will provide a broad overview of recent work examining various threats to amphibians, including light pollution, road salt, and invasive species. Specifically, graduate student, Grascen Shidemantle, will discuss her recent discoveries regarding the effect of light pollution at night on amphibian growth and development. Graduate student, Nicholas Buss, will speak about how exposure to low amounts of road salts can make amphibians more susceptible to disease. Finally, graduate student, Devin DiGiacopo, will talk about how leaf litter from invasive plants can affect amphibian susceptibility to other contaminants. Collectively, we hope to convey that integrating an ecological perspective is crucial to understanding the threats facing amphibians.

In order to protect amphibians and the freshwater ecosystems that they live in, we need to effectively communicate and engage with groups beyond the scientific community. As such, graduate student, Vanessa Wuerthner, will highlight the Hua lab’s efforts at using art and citizen science to facilitate research and communication.

Our annual Silent Auction will also take place at this meeting.  Please bring any nature related items you would like to donate to the club for this fundraiser. Items can include books, optics, gardening supplies, knick-knacks, bird feeders, and more.  Come prepared to bid on some treasures to take home! Your generosity in both donations and purchases helps the Naturalists’ Club make charitable contributions to other local Nature related organizations.

ALTERNATE PROGRAM – A GALAPAGOS DREAM
There is a chance that our speakers may be pulled in to the field for research if warm weather brings the wood frogs out of hibernation. In the unlikely event of their unavailability, we will hear from club member Renee DePrato who will talk about her recent trip to the Galapagos. Armed with a new camera and a sense of adventure, she fulfilled her dream of visiting these islands which maintain an almost mythical status for most nature lovers.

In this photo filled presentation, you will learn what makes the Galapagos islands special and enjoy photos of the diverse flora and fauna of these islands. Renee DePrato is an avid birder and nature lover who enjoys traveling to see new wildlife.

As always, meetings are free and open to the public!