Sierra Club Monthly Speakers Series
Austin Regional Group of the Sierra Club
CONTACT: Phoebe Allen, program coordinator, 512-444-1326 or 627-8170 cell
COMING:
FEBRUARY 14 – MOVIE NIGHT! “MONUMENTAL: Fight for Wild America” From the moment David Brower first witnessed the extraordinary beauty of the Yosemite Valley, his life was tied to the fight to preserve the American wilds for future generations. Not since John Muir had an American fought so hard, or been more successful, in protecting our natural heritage. His fiery dedication and activism helped inspire the modern day environmental movement. Explored is the beautiful, dramatic, and lyrical story of Brower and his colleagues' unrelenting campaigns--fought through lobbying, art, and hard hitting advertising-to-protect and establish some our most treasured national parks. At the center of the film are the themes that absorbed Brewer throughout his life: the threatened beauty of the American earth, the spiritual connection between humans and the great outdoors, and the moral obligation to preserve what is left of the world's natural wonders. 77 minutes, 2005.
MARCH 13 – BAT CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL with James Eggers, BCI Director of Education. The United Nations has declared 2012 as International Year of the Bat! Bat Conservation International (BCI) has been the world leader in bat conservation for 30 years and is promoting bat conservation and celebrations around the globe this year. Bats are not only marvels of nature, they are essential for healthy ecosystems and human economies. As pollinators, seed dispersers and primary predators of night-flying insects, they protect forests, farm crops, and humans. New research suggests bats save U.S. farmers up to $53 billion a year by limiting crop losses and reducing pesticide use. Thanks to BCI, Austin is fortunate and proud to have great numbers of these beneficial compatriots. James Eggers has taught science education and biology at Texas A&M University, was Assistant Director for Education at the Staten Island Zoo in New York City, and most recently worked for 11 years around the Mediterranean in conservation education, management and marketing. www.batcon.org
APRIL 10 – Annual Sierra Club PICNIC at Zilker Park The Austin Regional Group of the Sierra Club meets on the second Tuesday of each month, unless otherwise noted, at 7:00 pm in the north dining room of Scholz Garten, 1607 San Jacinto. Come as early as 6:00 p.m. for happy hour and ordering eats. The nearest bus, #20, runs along Red River, two blocks away. A bike lane runs along Trinity. Free street parking is available after 5 and is usually free in the state parking garages after 6 pm - next to, behind and across from Scholz Garten. Directions and menus at www.scholzgarten.net.
