Lecture Series
JOIN US AT THE RIVER CENTER FOR OUR MONTHLY LECTURE SERIES
The first Friday of each month we have a Noon Lecture from 12pm – 1pm
The third Friday of each month we have an Evening Lecture from 6pm – 7pm
Registration is required to attend.
This event is not recommended for children under the age of 14.
February 2025
NOON LECTURE
A Walk Through a New England Salt Marsh
Friday, February 7th, 2025 | 12pm – 1pm
Speaker: Ellen Goethel, Invertebrate Zoologist
Join Ellen Goethel for a virtual walk through a New England Salt Marsh. She will take you through its history and introduce you to some of the plants and animals that depend on it for their very existence. Ellen Goethel is an invertebrate zoologist from New Hampshire and has spent her life studying the Gulf of Maine and its inhabitants. She is owner/curator of a small hands-on natural history museum in Hampton New Hampshire with live invertebrates from the Gulf of Maine. For the past 40 years she has taken her museum to schools throughout New England presenting hands on marine science to school children.
EVENING LECTURE
Why Should We Care About Parasites? – Using Parasites as Indicators of Conservation & Ecological Restoration Success
Friday, February 21st, 2025 | 6pm – 7pm
Speaker: Christopher Moore, Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Florida
Parasite diversity is one indicator of a healthy ecosystem. Many parasites require multiple types of hosts (invertebrates and vertebrates alike) to complete their lifecycles – if the hosts aren’t there, then the parasites that need those hosts won’t be there either. Come hear about parasite diversity in the Indian River Lagoon! How does parasite diversity in the IRL compare to other estuaries and coastal systems worldwide?
March 2025
NOON LECTURE
Invasive Species In Florida
Friday, March 7th 2025 | 12pm – 1pm
Speaker: Eric Suarez, Invasive Species Research Coordinator
This lecture will delve into the critical topic of invasive species in South Florida, with a particular focus on reptiles. Participants will explore the differences between nonnative and native reptiles, gaining a deeper understanding of how invasive species impact local ecosystems. The presentation will also cover invasive reptile management strategies and highlight practical steps individuals can take to help mitigate their spread. Attendees will learn how to accurately identify invasive reptiles and be provided with guidance on how to report sightings effectively.
EVENING LECTURE
Applied Technology and Management Inc.
Friday, March 21st, 2025 | 6pm – 7pm
Speaker: Michael Jenkins, PhD, PE
Here in Florida we all know what a hurricane is, but how much do you really know about them? This talk will delve into the world of tropical cyclones: the science, the history, and the interesting facets of this world-wide weather powerhouse. This talk will provide you with a greater understanding of what we know (and don’t know) about hurricanes and how they have shaped the world, state and region we live in.
April 2025
NOON LECTURE
Jupiter Inlet & The Loxahatchee River Through History
Friday, April 4th 2025 | 12pm – 1pm
Speaker: Josh Liller, Historian & Collections Manager for the Loxahatchee river Historical Society
Jupiter Inlet was a natural inlet, but it’s frequently openings and closings frustrated Jupiter’s pioneers, leading to the construction of the modern, man-made inlet and its jetties. The rest of the Loxahatchee River has faced numerous threats, but modern environmentalism has given the waterway a chance for survival and recovery. This presentation will explore 150 years of man vs. nature on our beloved river.
EVENING LECTURE
Lionfish Invasion
Friday, April 18th, 2025 | 6pm – 7pm
Speaker: Christine Rain, Lionfish Huntress
Learn about what lionfish are, where they came from, why they are here now, what we can do to control the invasion and how to fight the destruction lionfish are causing to our native reef fish and invertebrate populations.
Christine Raininger has been a local to Martin and Palm Beach county since graduating from Boise State University (Environmental Studies & Sustainability) when she moved down here to be part of the Americorps Non-Native [Plant] Terminator program in our Florida State Parks and then with FWC Conservation Planning Services. She practices natural resource management and conservation across many types of ecosystems, and has learned how Florida is combating invasive species on many fronts. Christine’s always been close to water, whether it be freshwater lakes, rivers, or the ocean while swimming, surfing, or SCUBA diving. For the past decade she’s been diving and hunting lionfish off our coasts in as deep as 130′ … but soon to be deeper with advanced nitrox and decompression diving so she can reach more lionfish! She works in wildlife conservation mostly on land, but is most passionate about lionfish hunting, lionfish eating, and creating art using the beautiful lionfish fins and skins.
May 2025
NOON LECTURE
To Be Announced
Friday, May 2nd 2025 | 12pm – 1pm
Speaker: