Western on the Peninsulas to Host Lecture on Efforts to Save Wild Turtle Populations Oct. 16

Western Washington University on the Peninsulas will host a Western Lecture Series event by Eric Munscher of the Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 16 concerning efforts the group makes to help with survival of the world’s wild turtle population.

The lecture will be held at Olympic College-Poulsbo, room 220. It is free and open to the public, with no prior registration required.

The TSA is a global conservation group whose goal is zero turtle extinctions. Munscher will talk about methods used, including range programs throughout the world that concentrate on highly endangered species and focusing on breeding and releasing programs, as well as wild turtle population monitoring and research.

The organization operates the Turtle Survival Center in South Carolina, which houses breeding populations of 20 of the top 25 most endangered species of turtles in the world, including some that are extinct in the wild.

Munscher is a research ecologist with SWCA Environmental Consultants and director of the Turtle Survival Alliance’s North American Freshwater Turtle Research Group. He has studied turtle populations in Florida and Texas Springs for more than 17 years, with extensive experience in wetland delineation, and threatened and endangered species surveys throughout the southeast and northeast regions of the country.

Western Lecture Series events feature prominent speakers who deliver talks on an array of academic subjects designed to expand your knowledge, provoke thought, enhance understanding and inspire creativity.  Each lecture extends a new and interesting topic. Offered throughout the year, lectures are free and open to the public.

For information about future lectures, visit ee.wwu.edu/wls or call (360) 394-2748 and ask to be added to the mailing list.