Presentation Information
Title
Robert Ridgway: Can A Hobby Help Save Our Planet?
Subject(s)
Description
Join Illinois’ most pre-eminent bird man as he recalls the history of the Illinois Audubon Society. Hear stories that illuminate how bird watching grew from a hobby to a scientific discipline, creating a cadre of citizen scientists, encouraging the next generation of conservationists, and protecting habitat for future generations. Storyteller and Author Brian “Fox” Ellis portrays Robert Ridgway, telling the story of his journey across the western wilderness in 1868, when he was still a teenager, his life-long work at the Smithsonian Institution, and his friends who founded the Chicago Academy of Science. Ridgway was a student of Spencer Baird, who travelled with John James Audubon, who knew Charles Darwin. Ridgway’s research transformed ornithology, evolution and systematics.
Length
Flexible - 45-60 minutes
City or Area of Travel
Willing to travel statewide.
Fees
Flexible: For Illinois Audubon Society Chapters, just cover travel costs. For other organizations please ask.
