Lectures & Workshops
Throughout the day on Saturday will be a variety of talks and presentations that delve more deeply into the themes of Microcosm and the interests/hobbies represented. Confirmed presenters include:
Jennifer Macke | 11:00 am | Lecture
A large part of taking care of fish and other aquatic animals (newts, shrimp and other invertebrates, etc.) is understanding how to cultivate the hidden ecosystem present within the aquarium. Jennifer will discuss basic ecological cycles that are found both in nature and aquatic aquariums. She will also delve into biofilms and biological succession, and provide practical tips for aquarium keepers, including information about safe and natural methods to cope with algae and pests while still maintaining the best possible environment for aquatic organisms.
Tim Paine | 12:00 noon | Lecture
Tim has travelled extensively throughout the Neotropics, logging countless hours photographing the herpetofauna of Central and South America. An example of some of Tim's photography can be seen on his website Amphibios.org as well as on the cover of TWI's Leaf Litter Magazine (issues 1.1, 2.1, and 3.2). Tim will be sharing numerous images and discussing herping, photography, and conservation.
Brian Perkins | 1:00 pm | Lecture
Brian has been actively keeping and breeding fish since 1965 and began keeping killifish in 1970 after being introduced to his brother's collection. A member of the American Killifish Association since 1973, he helped form NWKillies in 2000, which has grown into arguably one of the strongest killifish clubs in the United States.
Brian currently owns and operates an eco-tourism business in Southern Peru called WildPERU, offering custom jungle adventure tours, logistical support for expeditions in the region, and export of live ornamental fishes.
Jerry Novak | 2:00 pm | Lecture
Jerry is the owner of Pacific Northwest Turtleworks (captive-bred turtles and tortoises) and will be giving a presentation on the Western Pond Turtle Recovery Project, of which he is the Field Program Coordinator.
Steve Waldron | 3:00 pm | Workshop: "The Forest Aquarium"
Steve Waldron has been an aquarist for the past 30 years and is currently writing a book entitled Zen and the Art of the Natural Aquarium. During his workshop, inspiration will be taken from the old growth rainforests of the Pacific Northwest in order to create an artfully designed aquascape of aquatic mosses, ferns and wood--a beautiful freshwater aquarium garden for Crystal Red Shrimp. The resulting aquascaped aquarium will be auctioned off and proceeds donated to TWI.
