## **Mark Your Calendars!**
# **Galapagos Presentation at**
# **Sandy Shores Resort**
“**Following Darwin’s Footsteps”** is how Sue Keefer and Steve Norris describe their experiences in the Galapagos Islands. Their program of Wildlife Watching and cultural study in the Galapagos will be presented on Wednesday, August 20 at 7:30.
On the big screen. In the Club House.
After a career running children's summer camps, then living aboard a sailboat and working for Vermont State Parks, Sue and Steve spent eight summers helping out at Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge on the southern coast of Maine as well as volunteering many winters as Interpretive Guides at the World Birding Center in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Since moving to Mid-coast Maine – *and Sandy Shores!* - in 2020, they have been helping with bird walks for the *Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge.*
After several trips, their love of Ecuador compelled them to act on a long-standing bucket list item, and visit the Galapagos Islands –
**“The Showcase of Evolution".**
Their original plan for a "non-bird-centric" trip soon fell apart as they realized that, although the Galapagos have "only" 178 species of birds, the 29 resident and 22 endemic species are a fascinating study. From the breathtaking nesting colony of Waved Albatross to the inquisitive endemic Mockingbirds, bird life in the Galapagos is quite a treat. Close-up observation and study of Darwin Finches is a real-life exercise in the what's, why's, and how's of evolution! The non-flying fauna is equally interesting with large colonies of sea lions, marine and land iguanas and, of course, giant tortoises. It became readily apparent why the Galapagos are a unique and invaluable natural resource worthy of intense protection.
Darwin’s two month stay in the Galapagos in 1835 led to a new biology based on a unifying theory of evolution. Sue and Steve's say their stay on the islands left them feeling rather inadequate in their own "naturalist" skills! Darwin, like most early naturalists, left the island with many sketches and specimens to study; Sue & Steve brought away many photographs and memories of unique living things they observed. We know you will get caught up in the fun and entertaining style of these enthusiastic laidback educators as they share their observations of the animals, plants, and environment that make the Galapagos such a special place.
Join in as we have some fun and discover this most special part of our natural world.
*Come early for social time and refreshments.*
*Popcorn, Pillows, Aspirin, Dramamine and No-Doz provided!*
Also check out other Workshops in Warren, Kids events & activities in Warren.
