2005-2006 Lecture Series Archives
The Education Division of the Friends Lecture series began the 2005-06 Season on December 10, 2005 at 10:00AM in the Chikee Hut Learning Center at Barefoot Beach Preserve. At the request of a number of regular attendees, we sarted the series with an excellent program by Frank Berna, manager of the Ritz Camera Shop in Naples. Frank shared many useful tips on using your digital camera to its best advantage in photographing Nature. This was a great opportunity to pick up some new tips on getting great photos of the abundant natural life here in the Preserve and surrounding area.
December 10th Frank Berna, considered by many as Naples “digital camera guru,” imparted some ideas on just how to take those pictures that bring back the moment in Nature that caught your eye
. Frank Berna has been the manager of the Ritz Camera Store in Naples for six years, and during this time has become familiar with hundreds of different models of digital cameras. His knowledge has led him to be considered by many as Naples “digital camera guru.” An avid nature photographer, he can now be found pursuing his favorite subject, Alligators, in the Big Cypress National Preserve.
On December 17th, just 2 weeks after the end of a record breaking Hurricane Season visitors had an opportunity to hear from an expert his experiences with this Hurricane season and broadcasting storms. Dave Roberts chief Meteorologist for Fox4 News at 10 discussed Hurricanes and their impact on Collier County. Dave holds both seals of certification from the American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Association. He has been forecasting the weather in Southwest Florida since 1998. Dave is a graduate of Syracuse University and Mississippi State University.
SPECIAL LECTURE FOR KIDS PRESENTED DECEMBER 31ST AT 10 AM
December 31st a new Lecture was added and presented by our own Jan Bachrach. Her topic was Shells at Barefoot Beach, a program for children and the young at heart. CLICK HERE to view additional photos and slide show.
On January 7th, Park Ranger Nancy Olsen spoke to a group who braved a very cold morning (low 50's) to hear a presentation on the History of Florida Women. An extremely informative lecture, Nancy's utilized a slide show and interjected facts with humor, making it a thoroughly enjoyable experience for all in attendance...
Young and old alike were captivated by David Piper and his menagerie of live wild animals. Dave is the owner of Wondergardens on Old 41 in Bonita Springs, where he and his staff work to preserve wildlife. Alligators, crocodiles, snakes, and other equally fascinating animals kept the attention of the audience, despite the fact that it was an exceptionally cold and windy morning. (Click here) to see many more photos.
On January 21st, Dr. P.J.Deitschel of CROW Wildlife Rehabilitation on Sanibel Island gave a presentation on the facility's many patients, sharing stories of some of the more interesting species she's had to deal with over the years. Speaking to a pediatrician in the audience, she noted that his job was easier than hers, since he had only one species to work with. The goal at the Crow Rehabilitation Center is to see that injured and sick animals are given every chance to return to the wild, where they can live healthy and happy lives for years to come.
On January 28th, Harold Saylor, the current president of the Friends of Barefoot Beach, and the park's very first ranger, captivated his audience with a lecture about how Florida has developed over the last 10,000 years. He shared stories and little known facts and artifacts with a large audience. Pinch hitting for a speaker who was unable to make it at the last moment, Harold did a wonderful job!
On February 4th, Larry Richardson of the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife for the US Goverment, didn't let the morning's inclement weather stop him, as he spoke about his favorite birds, the Swallow Tail Kites. Those in attendance couldn't help but learn a few interesting facts about these beautiful birds. Larry concluded his presentation with a brief overview of pointers for taking good nature photography. Though the heavy rains kept many away, those who did attend really enjoyed all that Larry had to share!
February 11th Feral Cats and Memories by Nan Gerhardt
February 18th Healing Paws and Helping Hands with Carol Buckler
On February 25th Cynthia Piper from the Collier County Park Rangers presented an interesting talk dealing with armadillos. Peppered with humor and real life stories, Cindy kept the attention of both young and old throughout her entire presentation.