Potluck Presentation: Myles Traphagen - History of Rewilding the Bolson Tortoise at the AWRR

RSVP Required! Sign up here: https://www.mobilize.us/audubon-southwest/event/872622/

Did you know that an important part of North America’s rewilding history began at the Research Ranch? In 1971, Ariel Appleton began raising the Bolson tortoise (Gopherus flavomarginatus), the largest terrestrial reptile in North America and today an endangered species, on her property that would eventually become the Research Ranch. Ariel raised about 30 tortoises over the years, including the famous matriarch, Gertie, who probably hatched about the time of the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941. In 2006, 26 adults and 7 hatchlings were translocated by the Turner Endangered Species Fund (TESF) to Ted's Armendaris Ranch in New Mexico.

Through the efforts of TESF, Dr. Christine Wiese and Scott Hillard, the Bolson tortoise conservation project has grown the Appleton group of 30 tortoises to over 800. Join Myles Traphagen, Wildlands Network’s Borderlands Program Coordinator, as he explores Bolson tortoise habitat in Mexico, discusses the tortoise's place in the long evolutionary history of North America, and tells a recent story of how rewilding on the Research Ranch continues to this day.

The event will begin at 5:00 p.m. with the potluck dinner beginning at about 5:30 p.m. (we'll announce when it's time to eat!). The presentation will immediately follow the meal. Come join us, invite a friend, and bring a dish to share. We also have a collection bin for food items to donate to the Santa Cruz food bank!

RSVP Required! Sign up here: https://www.mobilize.us/audubon-southwest/event/872622/

You may also like the following events from Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch of the National Audubon Society:

• Happening on, 6th February, 05:00 pm, Potluck Presentation: Chris Prewitt - Chiricahua Leopard Frog Conservation in Southeast Arizona in Elgin

Also check out other Food & Drink events in Elgin, Nonprofit events in Elgin.