MARCH
March 3
Marine Invasives in Massachusetts Bay
Acres of organisms covering George’s Bank like pancake batter, crabs that
degrade creek banks, and seaweeds that tear apart oyster reefs and choke out
mussels, are just a few of the potential impacts from invasive species found or
predicted to arrive in our coastal waters. Join Dr. Sara Grady, as she explains
how these species arrive here, what their status is in Massachusetts Bays waters
and specifically on the South Shore coast. Results will be presented from
volunteer surveys on the South Shore as well as from state and region wide
efforts to detect and monitor the introduction and spread of these invaders.
March 10
Jaws Revisited: The Great White Shark in New England
Remember last summer’s great white sitings off Chatham? Dr. Gregory Skomal, head
of the Massachusetts Shark Research program, will present the latest efforts of
the Massachusetts Shark Research Program to study the ecology and life history
of the great white shark. He will discuss the recent occurrence of this highly
elusive species in Massachusetts waters and the first time use of advanced
technology to examine its behavior and movements in the Atlantic. Dr. Gregory
Skomal lives on Martha’s Vineyard and is an accomplished marine biologist,
underwater explorer, photographer, aquarist, and author.
March 17
Restoring Rivers & Salt Marshes on the South Shore
Our rivers and salt marshes have been altered and degraded over the years by
various impediments such as tide gates and dams but there are opportunities to
restore and revive these precious habitats. Come find out about ongoing salt
marsh and river restoration projects right here on the South Shore. From Town
Brook in Plymouth where dam removals have led to a restored river and herring
runs, to Straits Pond in Hull where increased tidal flushing of this impaired
coastal pond are bringing back to life water quality and habitats that had been
degraded since the colonists first altered them.
March 24
Harvard Yard’s Grass is Greener
Harvard Yard is trampled by 6,000 people everyday, yet the grass continues to
thrive, thanks to Harvard’s new organic lawn care program. Wayne Carbone,
Harvard’s Manager of Landscape Services, will describe how he became convinced
of the benefits of ‘going organic’ and how he transitioned Harvard Yard away
from chemicals to an all-natural program with such great success, that the
little pilot program of 1 acre will now grow to 80 acres.
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