Conserving Biodiversity: Climate change conversation with author David Wallace-Wells
Join us March 17th, 2020 ~ 5:30 pm.
The overarching aim of our Biodiversity Group is to gather cross-disciplinary experts to address major threats to biodiversity in Florida, including the key drivers of habitat fragmentation, invasive species, and climate change.
The focus of this year's Conference is impacts of Red Tide on our species and ecosystems.
In the morning, a group of panelists will discuss scientific evidence of these impacts and what they mean to the future of Florida.
Afternoon sessions will further explore science, policy, and education aspects of this issue.
In the morning, a group of panelists will discuss scientific evidence of these impacts and what they mean to the future of Florida.
Afternoon sessions will further explore science, policy, and education aspects of this issue.
agenda_final_conbiocon_2019.pdf | |
File Size: | 256 kb |
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campusmap_2016.pdf | |
File Size: | 761 kb |
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PDF version for printing.
8:00 BREAKFAST and Registration. All conference activities take place on 2nd floor of FGCU’s Cohen Center.
9:00 Kick-off in Cohen Ballroom, with Emcee Dr. Billy Gunnels (FGCU Biology / Office of Undergraduate Scholarship)
Welcome from FGCU President, Dr. Mike Martin
9:15 Introductory Speaker: Amy Bennett Williams, Journalist (Environmental Reporter for The News-Press)
9:30 Red Tide Panel: Short talks by panelists, followed by Q & A and discussion. Moderated by Dr. Billy Gunnels.
-11:30 Scope: short and long-term impacts of Red Tide on biodiversity in the Gulf.
- Dr. Darren Rumbold, FGCU Marine and Ecological Sciences
- Dr. Eric Milbrandt, Marine Laboratory Director, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation
- Sarah Walters Burnsed, Marine Finfish Biologist, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
- Dr. Heather Barron, DVM, Medical and Research Director, CROW Wildlife Clinic
- Dr. Martine de Wit, DVM, Marine Mammal Pathology Lab, FWC
- Jaclyn Lopez, Florida Director and Senior Attorney, Center for Biological Diversity
12:00 LUNCH provided in the Cohen Ballroom
1-3:00 Afternoon Workshops: 3 concurrent sessions will explore science, policy and education aspects of this issue
Science @Ballroom | Take a deeper look at scientific evidence, discuss priorities and mechanisms for research.
Presentations from Dr. Michael Parsons, FGCU; Sarah Walters Burnsed, FWC; Joanna Fitzgerald, Director of von Arx Wildlife Hospital at Conservancy of SWFL; and local fishermen. Group discussions in second hour.
Facilitated by Dr. Kara Lefevre (FGCU Marine and Ecological Sciences) and Dr. Dean Croshaw (FGCU Biology).
Policy @Cohen 213 | Join regional conservation policy experts to explore policies related to red tide monitoring, mitigation, evaluation strategies, and information gaps that impact biodiversity conservation.
Facilitated by John Cassani (Calusa Waterkeeper) and Jaclyn Lopez (Center for Biological Diversity).
Education @Cohen 214 | Educators will work collaboratively to improve red tide education and outreach in Southwest Florida, including information goals for learners and sharing of activity and lesson ideas.
Facilitated by Dr. Heather Skaza Acosta and Jessi Drummond (FGCU Marine and Ecological Sciences).
3:00 COFFEE BREAK sponsored by the Conservancy of Southwest Florida
3:15 Wrap-up Discussion in the Cohen Ballroom, facilitated by Dr. Win Everham and Dr. Kara Lefevre (FGCU).
4-5:00 RECEPTION: Please join us to celebrate efforts to protect biodiversity and cultivate hopes for the future.
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Dear Conference Registrants: Here are some important notes for your information. In aiming to make this event as sustainable as possible, we need your help to minimize waste. Thank you for your participation!
FOOD: breakfast, lunch and hors d'oeuvres at the reception will be provided. Some vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options will be available at each meal time. We encourage you to bring your own travel mug/water bottle/handkerchief.
MATERIALS: to save paper, this Agenda and Conference documents will be shared in a digital format. No paper copies will be provided on site. Consider searching your desks for a nametag from a prior meeting (we’ll have extras at registration).
LOCATION: Conference starts in the Cohen Center ballroom, upstairs from the FGCU bookstore. Open wi-fi is available on campus. Designated parking only in Garage 1 or Auxiliary Lot next to it (P8, the gravel lot). Parking pass will be emailed to registrants before the conference. Please print and bring it: display in front window of your vehicle to avoid ticketing.
WITH THANKS TO ALL OF THE ABOVE PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS, AND OUR GENEROUS CONFERENCE SPONSORS!
[ FGCU Office of the President • College of Arts and Sciences • FGCU Scholars • Conservancy of Southwest Florida ]