The Methow Conservancy’s First Tuesday event (Feb. 7) will be a presentation by Scott and Amy Fitkin on “Coexisting with Biodiversity in the North Cascades — Past, Present and Future.” The free event starts at 7 p.m. at the Winthrop Barn.
The presenters will talk about the history and ongoing efforts for restoring and managing native wildlife in the North Cascades Ecosystem. The program will emphasize projects involving the Methow Watershed and include a discussion the role of the Conservancy’s Campaign for Sunny M Ranch in preserving wildlife habitat.
Scott Fitkin is a 34-year veteran of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and has worked in the Methow for 27 years. His daughter Amy grew up in the valley and has college training in biology and environmental education with an emphasis on social and environmental justice; she teaches science at Liberty Bell High School. For information email bridger@methowconservancy.org or visit https://methowconservancy.org/news/category/events.
Upcoming First Tuesday offerings (all are free and open to the public):
• March 7, “Washington State Predator-Prey Project,” 7 p.m. via Zoom. Join a presentation by several researchers from the Washington State Predator-Prey Project. The presenters will share on how wildfires, human activity, and the return of wolves are shaping our local ecosystem. Zoom registration is available at https://methowconservancy.org/news/category/events.
• April 4, “Karelian Bear Dogs,” 7 p.m. at Winthrop Barn. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife bear and cougar specialist Rich Beausoleil will talk about how Karelian Bear Dogs help manage human-carnivore conflicts, and why partnerships with local communities are essential to protect carnivores.
• May 2, “Plant Ecology, 7 p.m. via Zoom. Plant ecologist Dr. Nathalie Chardon will talk about the results of her recent field work in the North Cascades and the effort to understand how plant communities might respond to climate change. Zoom registration is available at https://methowconservancy.org/news/category/events.
