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Join us on Tuesday, 7 January 2025 at 7:00 pm in the Unitarian Universalist Church in Eugene, 1685 W 13th Ave, Eugene OR 97402, to listen to Dan Gleason, owner of Wild Birds Unlimited. Dan will be presenting "Flora & Feathers: How Birds and Plants Depend on Each Other"Birds and plants have a long evolutionary history and many fascinating relationships have developed between them. Birds obviously nest in plants (trees and bushes) and they use plant material to construct nests. Many plants depend on birds to disperse their seeds or pollinate their flowers. But how do plants select which birds will carry those seeds and how do they assure that it happens at just the right time to benefit the plant? Some insects also play important roles in these intricate relationships. One example presented in this program involves birds, aphids and the plants on which the aphids feed. In another instance, come learn why, from a bird’s perspective, Nandina (shooting bamboo or heavenly bamboo) is a very deadly plant, and why poison-oak is good. Learn why a somewhat weedy yard with lots of caterpillars is better for the environment than an immaculate yard with no refuge for insects or birds. This program will detail many of the fascinating links between birds and plants, many which are not well-known to many of us.
Dan Gleason and his wife, Barbara, own the two Wild Birds Unlimited stores in Eugene. Through their stores and the McKenzie River Trust, they lead Bird Outings and specialize in supporting nature-lovers with many challenges, from mobility to vision or others so that EVERYONE can be outdoors enjoying birds and nature! They also offer monthly talks about birds and nature at their stores, with other invited speakers.
Dan was on the faculty at the University of Oregon for 30+ years, taught Field Ornithology even after retiring, and is author of two books about birds. His column, Backyard Habitats ran monthly for over 10 years in the Register Guard until its ownership change in 2018.
A scientific illustrator and graphic designer for over 40 years before owning their store, Barbara is a 50+ year birder who birded throughout North America before birds brought these two bird-nerds together.
Dan’s speaking engagements and store bird walks took a hiatus in 2019 as he fought AML leukemia. Although his vision and balance suffered permanent changes as a result, his sense of humor and hearing still work quite well. With his off-road “Veloped” walker, Dan and Barbara continue to lead bird trips.
Program Location: The in-person meetings and speaker programs take place at the Unitarian Universalist Church at 1685 W 13th Ave, Eugene OR 97402.
Entrance is on the east side of the building and there is ample parking in the parking lots, which can be accessed from both Chambers St or W 13th Ave, with additional parking in the adjacent Looking Glass Center parking lot. Please do not park under their covered entry way. For location and parking information see our website at: https://www.thehardyplantgroup.org/contact
Overflow parking is also available in the first 20 spaces on the east and south side of Redeemer Fellowship Church just across Chambers St to the west.
Meetings begin at 7:00 PM, but the doors open at 6:30 PM for botanical sample browsing, refreshments, and socializing. We meet the second Tuesday of the month, September through November, and January through May. The public is invited to attend our meetings. Admission is free for members and $5 for non-members.
This program will also be broadcast live via a Zoom webinar, if you are unable to attend in person, to all members of WVHPG. If you are not a member and would like to view this webinar please see our "About" page on our website to learn how to join. https://www.thehardyplantgroup.org/about
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Unitarian Universalist Church in Eugene, 1685 W 13th Ave, Eugene, OR 97402-3743, United States,Eugene, Oregon
