Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve Eco-Expert: Talking Turkey with Chuck Blend

Advanced Training Opportunity: Come out to the Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve for this month’s Eco-Expert, Chuck Blend, Independent researcher, professor and expert on parasitology (study of parasites!)

It’s that time of year again…to be thankful for all that we have here in South Texas, especially on the supper table. But, do you know everything that you’re serving for the upcoming Thanksgiving holidays? Perhaps what you might be enjoying in your holiday turkey are some “hidden flavor buds”… in the form of tasty parasites! Mmmm! In this presentation, we’re going to learn about the parasites of the wild turkey, Meleagris gallopavo. Yes, they’ve got parasites! How does “parasitic protistan pasta” sound? Perhaps a generous “helminth (worm) helping” or an “arthropod appetizer” to go with that tasty turkey? Bon appétit and gobble, gobble! Dr. Blend’s research has primarily involved Deep-Sea Parasitology. Specifically, parasites infecting a wide variety of deep water organisms in general, particularly fish in the Gulf of Mexico. Interests also include the parasites of freshwater and terrestrial organisms (including the humble turkey). Basically, he can work/ID parasites from just about any vertebrate.

• Class size limited to 24.

• This program is FREE of charge and open to individuals and families.

• Walk-ins are welcome on a first come first served basis.

• This program is for individuals and families with children ages 12 and older.

• To reserve a space, please register at http://register.ccparkandrec.com .

For more information, contact Caleb Harris at (361) 826-3947 or [email protected] .