Mammals on Lopez—an historical perspective
Presented by Jim Kenagy
Thursday February 8th, 7:00pm
The diversity and natural history of Lopez Island mammals now and in the past, presented in an illustrated talk by Jim Kenagy, Curator of Mammals at the Burke Museum. With glacial ice covering the San Juan Islands on many occasions during the Pleistocene, the resident roster of land mammals has probably shrunk and expanded many times. How have mammals managed to re-colonize? What species are the successful natural colonists, and which were introduced by humans? This program will emphasize the historical biogeography of mammals to account for the diversity of mammals we have on Lopez today.
Gold Fever 1850-1900 (plus rumors of gold on Lopez)
Presented by Gary Alexander
Thursday March 15th, 7:00pm
In honor of the 150th anniversary of the 1857 Fraser River (BC) Gold Rush, the former editor of “Gold Newsletter” offers an examination of man’s obsession with the Midas Metal, tracing the remnants of a small army of failed argonauts who retreated to our island chain, first to squat (launching the Pig War), then farm, marry and settle here.
Coastal Erosion—wind, waves, rock & sand
Presented by Ian Lange
Thursday April 12th, 7:00pm
We will delve into the different types of coast lines including those with and without beaches, how they are affected by waves, and what folks do to aggravate coastal erosion and slope failure. Pictures will accompany the talk.
People of the Salish Sea
Presented by Bill Holm
Thursday May 10th, 7:00pm
The Central Coast Salish peoples who inhabit the shores of the inland waterways of “The Salish Sea”—Georgia Strait, the San Juan Islands, Juan de Fuca Strait, and Puget Sound— developed a dynamic culture and belief systems that distinguish them from the rest of the Northwest Coast. Pictures of dwellings, canoes, subsistence activities, and art will be used to illustrate aspects of that culture.
All programs will be held at Lopez Center.
The History Forum is sponsored by Duane & Audrey Bordvick, Mike & Margaret Ellis, Raiti Waerness, Greg & Nancy Ewert, Gary & Karen Alexander, Phil & Jean Weinheimer, and the Lopez School Administrators
