Beneath the Buzz: Exploring the Complex Role of Mosquitoes

Presenter:  Andrew Sipocz
Date:  Thursday, August 3, 2023 @ 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Time:  Social Hour  6-7p; Presentation 7-9p
Location:   Bud O’Shieles Community Center, 1330 Band Rd, Rosenberg, TX 77471

The Coastal Prairie Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalist program invites you to their August 3, 2023 monthly nature program.  Feel free to invite your friends and family!

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 THE SPEAKER: Andrew Sipocz 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.  He 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.

IN-PERSON MEETING INFO: Coastal Prairie Chapter programs are free and open to the public. This program will be held in-person at the Bud O’Shieles Community Center. Please plan to arrive at 6:00 pm for refreshments and social time.  Door prizes will be awarded!

The Pond Life Workshop on Wheels (WOW) will be on display during the social & refreshments time from 6:00 to 7 pm. Two of our TMNCPC members will be on hand to present the WOW and answer questions.

ZOOM MEETING INFO: You may also attend by Zoom. Advance registration through this link is required for attendance by Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZItd-itqTMoGNyW8FmIqabRtud9XUlRV5Bl

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Please join us either in person or by Zoom for a great presentation!

Terri Hurley
President
Texas Master Naturalist™, Coastal Prairie Chapter
Mobile: 832-462-3768
[email protected]

VMS:  AT: Single Presentation (Coastal Prairie Chapter – Exploring the Complex Role of Mosquitoes.)