November Meeting of the Natural History Society of Newfoundland and Labrador
Atlantic Islands:
Perspectives about the sea and sea life: Newfoundland and the Azores
Both Newfoundland and the Azores are home to distinctive fishing cultures and a rich natural history. Some wildlife from the Azores, such as the greater shearwater (see attached photo by Ken Knowles), actually makes regular journeys to Newfoundland from that much warmer Atlantic island on
the other side of the Gulf Stream.
Dr. Alison Neilson is a wildlife biologist currently living in the Azores. Alison will introduce the social and natural history of the Azores islands and discuss her current research on whales and tourism. Tourists come to the Azores for nature - hiking the volcanic craters, exploring the numerous lava
tubes, scuba diving, fishing and whale watching are popular outdoor activities. The cultural heritage of the local people is also part of the story and can be seen on the streets and in the many festivals that celebrate their Roman Catholic faith as well as their connection with the land and the sea. Alison explores local and globalizing narratives that create the stories of the sea and support education and conservation. For the past month she has also been working also in fishing communities here in Newfoundland and will discuss some of the narratives heard and the comparison with fishing communities in the Azores.
Learn about our much warmer neighbour across the pond including some shared natural and cultural history. Much of Alison’s focus is on environmental justice and comes from years working as a wildlife biologist in Canada and
overseas; and from community development work in Africa and South America.
Come learn about the natural and cultural history of another Atlantic Island.
Everybody welcome!
Thursday, November 19, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. at
the MUN Botanical Garden,
306 Mt. Scio Road
St. John’s
Presented by the Natural History Society of Newfoundland and Labrador (our province’s oldest active conservation organization).
For further information contact Dave Snow at 722-3123 or Society Past-President Rita Anderson at 737-8771.
REGULAR OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS, a.k.a. ‘indoor events’:
Usually 8 p.m., third Thursday of each month at MUN Botanical Garden (* 306 Mt. Scio Road, which is [map] about 1 km up Mt. Scio Road from Thorburn, look for the Gardens on the left, low brown building with ample parking (free) and go in.)
All are welcome! Further information: contact Rita E. Anderson at 895-2564. Other EVENTS are listed below.
We are a volunteer organisation and most of our activities are offered free. Participation in indoor or outdoor events is at your own risk, so please find out what you need to know about each event and use your judgement and common sense. This applies to all aspects of events, including rides/transportation that may be arranged by anyone, or may be spontaneously offered by other participants.
