Brown Bag Presentations

The Pacific Coast Science and Learning Center presents science-oriented talks in the Red Barn Classroom at Point Reyes National Seashore. The Golden Gate National Recreation Area also holds presentations at Ft. Mason Building 201. These “brown-bag” lunch talks are usually held at noon, and last approximately 45 minutes. All are welcome and admission is free.

Upcoming Brown Bag Lectures:

Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Thursday, May 17, 2012 (Noon)
“Living with Mountain Lions”
Locally-based and globally-working wild cat conservationist Zara McDonald, Founder and Executive Director of Felidae Conservation Fund, will give an engaging and inspiring presentation about Bay Area pumas and the work currently underway to study and protect them. These keystone predators (also called mountain lions) play a critical role in maintaining the health and biodiversity of our ecosystems. However, expansion of human populations is causing increasing encounters and conflicts between humans and pumas, and growing tensions in our local communities. Zara will provide a compelling view of the natural grace and beauty of these animals, delve into the biological and ecological science that is working for their preservation, and offer essential tips for living and recreating without fear in puma habitat.

To get to Fort Mason:
A map and directions for Ft. Mason can be found here. After turning off of Bay St., proceed straight ahead to MacArthur Ave. Building 201 is the large white building with the green roof directly ahead and to the left. Visitor parking is available in front of the building and in other marked areas.

Point Reyes National Seashore      

Thursday, May 3, 2012 (Noon)
"Mechanical Removal of Invasive Beachgrass on Coastal Dunes: Creating Endangered Species Habitat at Point Reyes National Seashore"
Sarah Minnick, Point Reyes National Seashore
The Point Reyes National Seashore preserves some of the last remaining high quality coastal dune habitat in the United States. These dune systems are home to endangered plants and animals, such as Tidestrom’s lupine, Western snowy plover, and Myrtle’s silverspot butterfly. However, this habitat is seriously threatened by the rapid encroachment of two invasive, nonnative plant species, European beachgrass and iceplant. The Abbott’s Lagoon Coastal Dune Restoration project is restoring natural coastal dune processes and functions by removing invasive species south of Abbott’s Lagoon. Come learn about the successful mechanical removal of 80 acres of beachgrass during the first phase of the project, see the initial monitoring results, and find out what’s in store for the future.

Thursday, May 24, 2012 (Noon)
"Removal of Scotch Broom from Point Reyes National Seashore"
Lisa Michl and Ellen Hamingson, Point Reyes National Seashore

To get to the Red Barn Classroom:
After turning off of Bear Valley Road, proceed up the two-lane, paved driveway toward the Bear Valley Visitor Center. You will see the Red Barn on the left and after about 0.1 miles, there is a brown road sign pointing left to the Red Barn Classroom. Turn left on to the gravel driveway and proceed across the bridge to the parking lot. The Red Barn Classroom is on the end closest to this parking lot.