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March 17, 2016Albany Pine Bush Preserve Science Lecture Series: The World of Mosquitoes
The Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission and Friends of the Pine Bush Community will cohost an evening lecture at the Discovery Center on The World of Mosquitoes, presented by researcher and New York State Museum volunteer Gary Torrisi on March 17, 2016 at 7:00pm. This lecture is part of a monthly science lecture series presented by local scientists and the Commission’s expert staff.
Dr. Gary Torrisi is currently involved in a two-year survey of mosquito species in the Albany Pine Bush. Comparative results will be documented using archival specimens located at the Museum dating back to 1904-1905. Dr. Torrisi provides basic mosquito information that reflects global, US, and New York State data. In addition, he will review the historical influence that mosquitoes have played on human history, and discuss important diseases vectored by mosquitoes.
“I have been content to study mosquitoes in my quiet and confined world until zika. Now, I find myself absorbed in the concerns of the present world. Why not share with others what I have learned regarding the deadliest animal in the world,” says Torrisi.
Science Lecture Series programs are free and open to the public. Recommended for ages 15 and above, lecture series topics vary from tiger beetles, to wild turkeys, to climate research and more. Pre-registration is required for all programs. The Discovery Center is located at 195 New Karner Road in Albany. To sign up for programs, call 518.456.0655 or visit the Pine Bush website.
The 3,200 – acre Albany Pine Bush Preserve (APBP), located in New York’s Capital District, protects one of the best remaining inland pitch-pine scrub oak barrens in the world. This extraordinary fire-dependent habitat provides homes for many plants and animals and contains 63 New York State-designated wildlife Species of Greatest Conservation Need, including the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly. The Preserve is a National Natural Landmark, a New York State Unique Area, Bird Conservation Area and a National Audubon Society Important Bird Area. Characterized by rolling sand dunes and miles of trails, the Preserve offers visitors many recreational opportunities including hiking, bird watching, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, mountain biking, hunting, fishing and canoeing. The Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission is a public-private partnership created by the NYS Legislature in 1988 to protect and manage the APBP and provide the public with educational and recreational opportunities.
