2006 February Mindwalks (rev. 12-14-06 3:24 PM)
Volcanoes
Feb. 6, 2006 10:15AM - Noon
Volcanoes are one of
nature’s most spectacular events and have been responsible for some of the
world’s greatest disasters. Volcanoes are the source of new rock when magma
erupts on the earth’s surface. This program will present the causes, types,
and characteristics of volcanoes. We will look at the hazards associated
with volcanoes and examine samples of igneous rock produced by volcanoes.
Finally we will present some of the historic volcanic events throughout the
world as well as those in our own back yard here on the West coast.
Biography: John McCabe is a docent at the Museum of Natural History at
Morro Bay State Park. He is also an instructor in community programs and a
tutor of geology at Cuesta College. He is presently completing his second
term as president of the Santa Lucia Rockhounds, a gem and mineral society.
John has a Master of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from the
University of Arizona.
Living with Lions
Feb. 13, 2006 10:15AM - Noon
As we move and recreate
deeper into lion country, education on mountain lions becomes increasingly
important. This program will discuss the natural history, biology, and
behavior of lions, as well as ways in which we can reduce human-lion
conflicts, and live more peaceably alongside our wild neighbors.
Biography: Lynn Michelle Cullens since 2001 has directed the conservation
programs of the Mountain Lion Foundation, a national non-profit
organization. Michelle has presented wildlife education programs to the
Ecological Society of America, the Wildlife Society, Defenders of Wildlife,
the Mountain Lion Workshops, the American Society of Mammalogists, and the
World Wildlife Conflict Symposium of the Zoological Society of London.
Michelle has worked for six California environmental initiative campaigns,
and for ten years has directed the activities of a national land trust over
a five state region.
The Bloody Fifties: Law and Order in Early
San Luis Obispo County
Feb. 20, 2006 10:15AM - Noon
We all know San Luis
Obispo as a peaceful place to live, but such wasn’t always the case! The
first decade of the county’s existence was quite lawless, and violence was
commonplace. Come hear the history of early county lawmen, the infamous
Jack Powers Gang, and the San Luis Obispo Vigilance Committee. Firearms and
other implements of the period will be displayed and explained.
Biography: Manny Silva is Historical Preservation Committee Chairman,
Native Sons of the Golden West Parlor Number 290, San Luis Obispo. A native
of San Luis Obispo, he became interested in local Outlaw-Lawman folklore at
a young age. He is a career peace officer and resides in Los Osos with his
wife Kim, and daughters Kaysha, Lauren, and Erin.
Pollination – Why We Have Flowers
Feb. 27, 2006
10:15AM - Noon
This talk and slideshow
will demonstrate some general rules about which type of flowers attract the
different birds, animals, and insects as pollinators. Winter blooming
flowers from the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden will be featured. Cut
flowers will be used to demonstrate some special pollination techniques.
Biography: Ken Levine is a docent at the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden,
and Chairperson of the Educational Committee at the garden. He and his wife
practiced veterinary medicine in Arroyo Grande from 1962 to 1995. Gardening
and photography are two of his main interests in retirement.