MCAS Community Program - FEB 19th - Mighty Migrants!

Mighty Migrants: How Birds and Monarch Butterflies Find Their Way

Presented by Jessica Griffiths

Monday, February 19th 7 pm
at SLO Botanical Garden Oak Glen Pavilion in El Chorro Park

Birds and monarch butterflies have more in common than you might think. Both undertake spectacular migrations in the spring and fall.  Come and learn all about the phenomenon of migration as we compare and contrast the tools, tricks, and adaptations that birds and monarchs use during their amazing long-distance journeys.  We will answer such questions as: how do birds and monarchs know which way to go?  How do monarchs tell time?  How many miles per gallon would a migrating warbler get?   The presentation will also describe some of the amazing and creative scientific experiments that shed light on the mysteries of migration.  

Jessica Griffiths has been working as a field biologist for over 15 years.  She grew up in Chicago, got her undergrad degree at Wellesley College outside of Boston.  She worked around the country as a wildlife biologist with a focus on songbird ecology, then lived and worked in Monterey and Big Sur running the Big Sur Ornithology Lab for several years.  She discovered a passion for public outreach and education, and has given presentations on native wildlife to thousands of people.  She received her Masters at Cal Poly University, where she studied overwintering monarch butterflies.  She currently works as a biologist for Althouse and Meade, Inc., and leads several birding field trips around SLO County for MCAS every year.

All MCAS programs are free, open to the public, and all ages are welcome.  Refreshments will be provided.