Spring Meetings with the Cochise Chapter
Posted Mar 09, 2021
For Zoom link to any of these meetings, please email jdougripley@gmail.com.
Friday, March 19 Robert Parks, Entomologist and Nature Photographer: An Introduction to the Hymenoptera: Ants, Wasps, and Bees
Bob will present a visual program on the Hymenoptera using his superb macro photos. His emphasis will be on common and colorful species that can be found in Cochise County, highlighting some of their interesting characteristics. He will also discuss the vital mutual dependence ants, wasps, and, bees share with plants.
Friday, April 16: Mike Foster, Nature Videographer, Arizona Native Plant Society, Sierra Vista. Video Stories about Native Plants
Mike is an extremely creative nature videographer based in Sierra Vista. This evening he will present
numerous short examples of his work focusing on plants. Following is a description of Mike’s work and philosophy: “I am captivated by how we interact with plants. It is not just that a plant is useful. It is good to know the time of year it is harvested, which are the best varieties, and how it can be processed. Generations grow up selectively breeding plants. As an example, you don’t just eat any prickly pear. I believe we also should have an emotional relationship with the plants. They are the backdrop of our lives. Our memories are attached to them. Most obviously we remember the tree colors and those feelings in the air during fall. I try to make videos that cover these issues, and I love the audience that sees plants as participants and living companions in our world. I even think it helps to attribute our qualities to plants to improve our connection. I will share numerous short examples of my work and answer questions.”
Friday, May 21. Dylan Dorey, Park Naturalist, Kartchner Caverns State Park. Twenty Years of Conservation: Above and Below Ground at Kartchner Caverns State Park
Dylan will review the natural history of the park and the cave, how they have stayed at the forefront of
scientific discovery, and various projects and techniques that are in progress to preserve this pristine
environment. He will also discuss the various vegetative types in the park and interesting plant species he has found.