Outdoor adventurer Cylita “Batwoman” Guy of the University of Toronto and Ontario Science Centre will talk about her research on viruses and bats. 2018 November 27, 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm, at our usual meeting place. Cylita Guy is a PhD Candidate in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Toronto. Her research focuses on bats and their viruses. Using a combination of field and computational approaches she is investigating why bats seem to be good at carrying viruses that they sometimes share with humans, but rarely get sick from themselves. In her spare time she looks to help others foster their own senses of curiosity and discovery. She works as a Host at the Ontario Science Centre and started a Junior Bat Biologist Program in conjunction with the High Park Nature Centre. You can also read about her hilarious field exploits in the recent general audience book Fieldwork… Read more »
2018 April For our final Speakers Night of the season we will be hosting a very unique hands on workshop. You will get to build and use a FoldScope, a functioning origami microscope made from paper. These were developed by Manu Prakash and his associates with intent of making microscopy available to everyone around the world. Here is Prakesh at a TED Talk describing his microscope and how it can revolutionize health care in developing countries. https://www.ted.com/talks/manu_prakash_a_50_cent_microscope_that_folds_like_origami . FoldScopes have become very popular with professional and amateur scientists and naturalists around the world for exploring the microbiome. The microbiome is a diverse world populated by creatures smaller than the eye can see. You will be using your FoldScope to look for creatures such as rotifers, nematodes, copepods, vorticella, tardigrades, and other fascinating creatures. For more info about FoldScopes https://www.foldscope.com Tuesday April 24th at 7:30 P.M. at the Orangeville and District Seniors Centre… Read more »
Jackson Hole WILD films coming to the Upper Credit Field Naturalists, January 23rd On Tuesday evening January 23rd, 2018, at 7:30 P.M., selections from the world-famous Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival are coming to our backyard! Join us for a special WILD On Tour screening of short films. We are highlighting the joyous and informative exploration of nature. Ron has chosen a variety of shorter films instead of 1–3 long films. 1. Project Coyote – Killing Games: Wildlife in the Crosshairs. 30 min 2. 16 Legs: Spider Love. 25 min (a spider expert will be presenting to our group this March) 3. Between Two Lichens. 15 min 4. Nature RX. – 2min 5. Microsculpture. – 5 min 6. Blue. – 4 min 7. Banana Slugs: Secret of the Slime. – 4 min 8. Return of the Cicadas. – 7 min. 9. Explore Your Backyard Wilderness. – 4 min (Total screening time 96… Read more »
