Program Night: From the Black Oystercatcher to Black Gold: Challenges and Opportunities in Alaska

Alaska is the largest of our states, encompassing more than 600,000 sq. miles of rugged mountains, grinding glaciers, endless tundra, diverse temperate rainforest, and winding coast lines. From the Spectacled Eider and Yellow-billed Loon found in America’s Arctic to the Black Oystercatcher and the Marbled Godwit found on the southern coastline, Alaska’s birdlife diversity is astounding.  Alaska also has an abundance of other iconic wildlife species including grizzlies, caribou, Bald Eagles, humpback whales and wolves, many of which are endangered elsewhere.

The current administration and some members of congress have advocated vastly accelerating the extraction of oil, gas, and mineral deposits in this important ecological area.  Audubon seeks a balance between resource extraction and protecting internationally critical habitat.

Taldi will present a stunning slideshow showcasing some of the brilliant birds and important natural areas found in wild Alaska.  Her presentation will explore some of Alaska’s natural treasures set aside decades ago for the benefit of wildlife and the American public. She will highlight the imminent and compelling challenges and opportunities facing the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Tongass National Forest, Chugach National Forest, and National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska.

Please join us Thursday, March 15 (one week early), for Taldi’s captivating presentation on Alaska.  Come at 6:30 for the social hour and meet the members of the Seattle Audubon Society.  The presentation follows immediately after a brief monthly meeting, which begins at 7:00.

The social hour, meeting, and presentation are free and open to the public.  Invite a friend or anyone who wants to know more about Alaska’s birds and natural areas.

Directions to Northlake Unitarian Universalist Church, 308 4^th Ave. S. (corner of 4^th Ave. S. and State). Take I-405 exit 18 (NE 85^th, Kirkland).  Drive west on Central Way to 3^rd St. (stoplight). Turn left (south) on 3^rd St. and follow it as it bears left and changes name to State St.  Turn left on 4^th Ave S.