Bring the bird’s eye view down to ground level as we explore Tampa Bay’s environmental history during this five-session OLLI course.

Lear about ornithological art of the 1700s – 1900s, including why the work of artists like Gould, Bartram and Audubon made such important advances to our understanding of the natural world.

Attendees will tour “A History of Conservation: A Bird’s Eye View” and hear our speakers’ interpretations of the materials and events presented in the exhibit.

Wed • 9/26/18 – 10/24/18 • 10am-12pm • 5 mtgs

All sessions will be held at the Tampa Bay History Center, Publix Classroom, 3^rd floor

Session 1 – Sept 26 – Mary Figg
Mary Figg, former Florida State Representative, will discuss efforts to improve Tampa Bay waters through passage of the Grizzle-Figg Act, bringing Tampa Bay into compliance with the Clean Water Act of 1972.

Session 2 – Oct 3 – Dick Eckenrod
Dick Eckenrod, the first Director of the Tampa Bay Estuary Program, will discuss the past 30 years of conservation progress and the collaborative efforts to protect and restore Tampa Bay.

Session 3 – Oct 10 – Dr. Evan Bennett
Dr. Evan Bennett, Florida Atlantic University History Professor, whose book Fragile Waters: The Tampa Bay Estuary due for publication in 2019 will explain the impacts of humans on our estuary, efforts to improve it, and concerns for the future.

Session 4 – Oct 17 – John Costin
John Costin, large-scale bird artist and expert on Ornithological Art History, will explain the relationship between the art and science of the day, including Charles Darwin and the theory of evolution and the beginning of the conservation movement in the United States.

Session 5 – Oct 24 – Dr. William Fehring
Dr. William Fehring, first Environmental Director of Port Tampa Bay, will provide insights into the controversies involved with channel dredging and the environmental rules, constraints, and protections involved with Port decisions for its development.