Sea Turtles
Why do sea turtles get sick and strand? How are they rehabilitated so they can be released back to the wild? What can you learn from sea turtles in rehabilitation? The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center’s mission is to conserve and protect sea turtles and Executive Director Kathy Zagzebski, our Sandbar Lecturer on June 3, leads those efforts. The hospital protects nesting female turtles, their nests, and their hatchlings by rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing stranded sea turtles, by educating the public, and by offering experiential internships and learning opportunities. Learn about the center, the sea turtles it protects, why they strand, and what you can do to help during this Sandbar Lecture.
In addition to her role in the Surf City hospital, Kathy previously served as president and executive director of the National Marine Life Center in Massachusetts was stranding department manager at The Marine Mammal Center in California, and was program manager at the Georgia Coastal Management program. Kathy has volunteered for a variety of marine animal projects in California, Hawaii, North Carolina, Georgia, and Massachusetts. She graduated magna cum laude from Augustana College and received her master’s degree from Duke University.
Old Baldy
When Old Baldy was first lit in 1817 the most brilliant lighthouse lens could only be seen as far as 10 miles away.
Those lights were capable of guiding mariners to locations such as the Cape Fear River however, they could not warn them away from hazards such as Frying Pan Shoals.
Indeed, mariners claimed that one was more likely to run aground looking for a lighthouse than to benefit from one. Then innovation arose in the 1920s when a young French physicist named Augustin Fresnel invented a new type of lens that greatly improved visibility.
This Sandbar Lecture by Jacob Grossman of the Old Baldy Foundation on June 10 at 5:30 p.m. follows the life of Augustin Fresnel, his “invention that saved a million ships,” the French Revolution and how all of that is connected to the Old Blady Foundation and Bald Head Island.
Jacob is the educator and collections coordinator for the Old Baldy Foundation. He has an MA in public history from Temple University.
Sea Shells
This Sandbar Lecture, A Survey of North Carolina Shells, on June 17 at 5:30 p.m. is sure to capture the attention of any beachcomber. Featuring sheller Daniel Minior, it explores the prehistory of collecting, the definition of malacology, describes binomial nomenclature, and discusses some of the scientists who contributed to our understanding of the shells on our shores. The lecture then goes through some of the different species that can be collected in North Carolina and talks about them.
Daniel started collecting shells at the age of 4, visiting the tide pools of Newport, Rhode Island and has been fascinated by sea creatures and shells his whole life. He is president of the North Carolina Shell Club and vice president of the national malacology organization, Conchologists of America. He has traveled collecting shells to Fiji, Vanuatu, Australia, Roatan, and Bonaire leading to a personal collection of about 5000 specimens and 915 species or variations of cone shells in the collection. Daniel is an emergency physician.
Carnivorous Plants
This Sandbar Lecture on June 24 at 5:30 p.m. from the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust is all about how they conserve land and why, but it will also focus on carnivorous plants found in coastal North Carolina, how they adapted, their habitat and their unique feeding mechanisms.
It is presented by Bryce Tholen, environmental education coordinator and stewardship assistant for the land trust. Prior to that he served as its AmeriCorps service member. Bryce graduated with a degree in environment science from UNCW. He grew up in the Outer Banks.
The Museum’s Sandbar Lecture Series is designed to inspire curiosity about regional history, coastal ecosystems and diverse wildlife. Local subject matter experts facilitate lively and interactive presentations about various fascinating topics for all visitors.
All one-hour Sandbar lectures are free with Museum admission: $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $8 for children ages 3-12.
The Museum of Coastal Carolina is located at 21 East Second Street in Ocean Isle Beach, NC.
Admission is free for members. Non-member all-day admission effective March 31, 2022 is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors (62+), $8 for children (3-12), and free for age 2 and under.
For more information, call 910-579-1016, visit www.museumplanetarium.org, or like us on Facebook.com /MuseumCoastalCarolina
Our Sea Turtles: A Practical Guide for the Atlantic
Our Sea Turtles is an abundantly illustrated guide to our human experience with a majestic and intriguing group of marine animals. The book dives deep into the lives of sea turtles, telling their story with unique perspectives and fascinating images that engender understanding and compassion.
$24.95
Buy It Here!
