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Chapter Program
August 3, 2023 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Free
“Beneath the Buzz: Exploring the Complex Role of Mosquitoes”
Coastal Prairie Chapter programs are free and open to the public. This August program will be held in-person at the Bud O’Shieles Community Center, Rosenberg. Please plan to arrive at 6:00 pm for refreshments and social time.
August 2023 Program Description
While it is undeniable that mosquitoes can be an annoyance and carry human diseases, the recurring question of whether eliminating them entirely would be beneficial warrants closer examination. Prompted by the frequency of this inquiry, our speaker will discuss the relationship between plant communities and wildlife as well as:
· An introduction to SE Texas wetlands
· The ecological role of mosquitoes especially in Texas’ coastal wetlands
· Harmful effects of mosquito control in TX coastal marshes
· Why all mosquitoes aren’t equally harmful
· History of mosquito borne disease and eradication in the southern U.S.
· What we can do to reduce populations of harmful mosquitoes and live with the others
About our Presenter
Andrew Sipocz
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Natural Resource Coordinator Region 4, State Parks Division
Andrew received a Bachelor of Forestry with an emphasis on studies of wildlife management in 1985 from Purdue University in West Lafayette Indiana, and a Master of Science studying wetland ecology from Texas A&M University, College Station, TX in 1993.
Mr. Sipocz has been employed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) since 1990 predicting the effect of development projects on fish and wildlife habitat, conducting studies on coastal ecology, restoring native landscapes to southeast Texas state parks, and participating in TPWD’s prescribed fire program.
His wife Wendy and their four children spend as much time outdoors as possible and especially enjoy canoeing through southeast Texas’ exotic locales.
Chapter members and the public may also attend by Zoom. Advance registration is required for attendance by Zoom.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
The Texas Master Naturalist program is sponsored by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.