The Creston Valley branch of Wildsight kicks off its fall series of presentations on Oct. 18, with “Ecological Intricacies of Wolves”, presented by John and Mary Theberge from Oliver.
John and Mary are wildlife ecologists who have spent more than 30 years studying wolves. They have contributed to many scientific journals and published two books, the most recent being The Ptarmigan’s Dilemma: An Ecological Exploration into the Mysteries of Life, which was a finalist for the Writer’s Trust Prize for best non-fiction of 2010. They actively promote parks, wildlife management and protected areas throughout Canada.
Their presentation, illustrated with slides, describes the several wolf species and subspecies and their prey in various parts of North America. Their talk also focuses on their current wolf research in Yellowstone and with the Mexican wolves in Arizona, and the results of their previous, intensive wolf-prey research in Algonquin Park, Ont., and its conservation consequences.
John was a professor of ecology at the University of Waterloo from 1970-2000 and Mary was a co-researcher, wildlife illustrator and educator. They recently-completed 14 year study of wolves in Algonquin Park represents one of the most intensive studies ever undertaken of the species (www.wolfstudies.ca).
They have been active in promoting the establishment of parks and protected areas throughout Canada, and of ecosystem-based management of such areas. Their conservation work has been recognized with joint awards such as the Harkin Medal of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, and achievement awards from Earthroots and Equinox.
The presentation starts at 7 p.m. Oct. 18 at Rotacrest Hall. Admission is $6.
The second presentation of the season runs at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 with “Local Colours at the Tivoli”, when, for the first time, local photographers will be displaying their pictures and movies on the silver screen while spectators sit back and enjoy the artful choreography in comfort.
Local presenters are Jim and Howard Smith (www.phototide.com), Brian Stushnoff, Cheryl Jaggers (www.cheryljaggers.com, and photographer for the book Creston Valley Beauty), Ralph Moore and Raina Messenger. Admission to the presentation at the Tivoli Theatre is $8.
— WILDSIGHT (CRESTON VALLEY BRANCH)