Guest Lecturers (click on name for more info about the talk)
Speakers and dates are subject to change. Check back to this page for updates.
Lecturers will paddle with the group and at some point during the paddle, the group will land on the shoreline to hear a 15-20 minute lecture. They will then continue the paddle. The lecturer may continue his talk at the end of the paddle on Sebago grounds once all equipment has been returned to the storage facilities.
JUNE:
June 26 - John Rowden, PhD, Citizen Science Manager for New York City Audubon
JULY:
July 10 - Roland Lewis, President and CEO of The Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance
July 25 - Don Riepe, Jamaica Bay Baykeeper
July 31 - Ranger Linc Hollowell and Ranger Rikki Wise, from the National Parks Service
AUGUST:
August 7 - Mickey Maxwell Cohen, Naturalist, American Littoral Society will take the group SEINING
August 14 - Betsey Ukeritis, Environmental Educator for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
August 21 - Ranger Linc Hollowell and Ranger Rikki Wise, from the National Parks Service
CANCELLED
August 28 - Dr. Felicity Arengo, associate Director of the Center for Biodiversity and Conservation, The American Museum of Natural History
More Information about talks:
June 26 - John Rowden: HORSESHOE CRABS and their importance in the JAMAICA BAY ecosystem. Our Bay is an internationally recognized and important stopover point for migratory SHOREBIRDS .The birds refuel here on their journey from points south, to their breeding grounds in the far north. One of the major portions of their refueling diet is horseshoe crab eggs, which spawn on beaches around the bay. Clean water and beaches are important to all the species that inhabit the Bay, from crabs to humans and everything in between.
July 10- Roland Lewis: Roland Lewis, President of the Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance, a 421 partner organization dedicated to creating a healthy vibrant and accessible waterfront for the New York Harbor and waterways will discuss WAVES, Mayor Bloomberg’s initiative to create a new comprehensive waterfront plan for the City of New York. He will discuss how initiatives like the New York City Water Trail fit into the new plan and how recreational groups like the Sebago Canoe Club and others who care about the water can have their voices heard fo the new plan
July 25 - Don Riepe: will take the group to visit a shoreline and marsh and to look for Marine and Bird Life, and as a former manager of the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Don will talk about the bay's ecology, wildlife and management issues.
July 31 and August 21 - Ranger Linc Hollowell and Ranger Rikki Wise from the National Parks Service will speak about the history and wonders of Gateway National Park, of which Jamaica Bay is an integral part. This talk will include an introduction and overview of our very own National Park, by Ranger Linc Hollowell, on land before the paddle sets out. Ranger Rikki Wise will interpret from the water, and point out many interesting facts about the flora and fauna of our local eco-system.
August 7 - Mickey Maxwell Cohen: Discover what MARINE SURPRISES live beneath the surface of Jamaica Bay. Don a pair of waders and learn to use a Seine Net to sample the Bay’s Creatures. Waders and nets will be supplied.
(Paddle to and from our Seining Spot)
August 14 - Betsey Ukeritis: "LOWER your CARBON FOOTPRINT, help your local coastal environment, and save money all at the same time!" - Learn how your carbon footprint affects you local environment and how simple, everyday choices can help and save you money!
CANCELLEDAugust 28 - Dr. Felicity Arengo: The important NATURAL HISTORY and behavior of the SHOREBIRDS of JAMAICA BAY. This is a critical site in the Atlantic Flyway, one of 4 major corridors for migrating birds in North America. Our Bay provides crucial nesting and foraging habitat for breeding birds, and is an important staging area during migration. Learn about the importance of Jamaica Bay and learn about ongoing regional and international conservation efforts.
