Saturday January 13, 6.30pm  – Speakers Jay & Libby Elliott, Florida Keys Astronomy Club

After getting to know one another through Astronomy events, Jay and Elizabeth Elliott joined together through the Florida Keys Astronomy Club in 2013. Since then, they have continued to present numerous astronomy educational programs in the Florida Keys. Elizabeth became a NASA Solar System Ambassador volunteer in 2009 and has presented many programs specifically related to NASA missions such as Plutopolooza, Juno at Jupiter, Hubble 30th anniversary and James Webb Telescope.

Their presentation will provide an explanation of what you could see and why you should see what is in the night sky. There will be a short talk followed by observation activities, Star hopping, stories and a look through the telescopes.

To get to know the astronomers better – watch this brief film “Meet the Astronomers” featuring them made by PBS South Florida called “Meet the Astronomers” –Meet Astronomers from the Florida Keys | Your Story – YouTube

Thursday February 1, 6.30pm  – Speaker Dr. Doug Mader, “The Serengeti – the Search for the Big Five!”

Dr. Doug Mader is a triple board-certified veterinary specialist and has been a veterinarian for over three decades. He is an internationally recognized speaker, has written three best-selling medical textbooks and numerous book chapters and scientific publications, and has had long standing pet columns in the Long Beach Press Telegram, Reptiles magazine, and the Key West Citizen. Dr. Mader is the recipient of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Award, the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Achievement Award, and the Fred L. Frye Lifetime Achievement Award for Veterinary Medicine, and is a seven-time winner of the North American Veterinary Community Speaker of the Year award and a four-time winner of the Western Veterinary Conference Educator of the Year award. He is also a fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine in the UK. Dr. Mader practiced in California for many years, but today lives and works in the Florida Keys. He is the best selling author of the book “The Vet at Noah’s Ark: Stories of Survival from an Inner-City Animal Hospital.”

Dr. Doug is also an avid photographer.

On February 1st, travel with Dr. Doug to the wilds of Africa in search of the “Big Five” – the Elephant, the Lion, the Leopard, Water (Cape) Buffalo and the Rhino!
This photo tour will take you from the Ngorongoro Crater to the plains of the Serengeti. Captivating images of birds, mammals, reptiles and more will be sure to keep you entertained as Dr. Doug and his boss, Dr. Gerry, explore the dusty, hot African Desert.

After his lecture he will be available to meet & answer questions.

Saturday Feb 10, 2024,  Time: 8:30am  – Guided Walk with Ranger Katy in the Prescribed Burn Unit, National Key Deer Refuge, Big Pine Key

Venture into the captivating world of post-prescribed burns with Ranger Katy, who recently brought her passion for nature to the Florida Keys from J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Having served as their Volunteer Coordinator for the past three years, Katy is well-versed in environmental stewardship and possesses a master’s degree in environmental geosciences along with a bachelor’s in Geography. A seasoned professional with a diverse background in environmental education and paddle sports instruction, Katy’s journey spans from Texas to Colorado, Georgia, and Florida, but is most excited to join the keys community.

Join Ranger Katy for an informative post-prescribed burn walk in the burn unit across from the Blue Hole, Big Pine Key! Explore the fire-dependent Pine Rocklands, with Ranger Katy guiding you through insights into the burn process and showcasing changes and growth since October. The trail is unpaved and can be a bit bumpy. Make sure to wear clothing that can get dirty, as there is still plenty of soot from the recent burn. This unique walk will be a group event, fostering a sense of community as we explore nature together.

To secure your spot: Sign up by emailing keydeer@fws.gov.

Directions: To reach the Blue Hole – at approximately MM31 on US Highway 1, turn north (bayside) onto Key Deer Blvd at the stop light. Drive 3 miles (just past Higgs Lane). The Blue Hole parking lot is on the left. Meet at the parking lot at 8:30 am for a walk covering no more than 1 mile, an opportunity to connect with nature and learn about the effects of prescribed burns!

Saturday March 9, 6.30pm  – “Eclipse of the Sun”, Speakers Jay & Libby Elliott, Florida Keys Astronomy Club 

Join us for another evening of stargazing with Jay and Libby.

This second presentation focuses on the Eclipse of the Sun. Get ready for the upcoming solar eclipse. Join us as Jay and Elizabeth give a presentation on the specifics of a solar eclipse, lunar eclipse and even eclipsing on other planets. They will also help prepare you for watching the upcoming eclipse and afterwards there will be a time of observation at the telescope.

To get to know the astronomers better – watch this brief film “Meet the Astronomers” featuring them made by PBS South Florida called “Meet the Astronomers” –Meet Astronomers from the Florida Keys | Your Story – YouTube

Wednesday March 27, 6.30pm   –  “Exposing Nature in the Florida Keys”, Speaker Kristie Killam, retired National Key Deer Refuge Ranger 

Join us as retired Range Kristie Killam shares personal stories and experiences of working in nature in the Florida Keys. She is an avid photographer and will also share videos and photos that bring these stories to life.

Sponsored in part by the Florida Keys Council of the Arts, the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture and private donations.

Saturday April 6, 8.30am Guided Bird Walk, National Key Deer Refuge, Big Pine Key.

Please contact keydeer@fws.gov or call  786-881-9535  if you are interested in joining Ranger Katy on a 1 hour guided walk.

It will be an informative and exciting bird watching walk in the fire break 800ft south of Gulf Blvd on Key Deer Blvd.

It is warm and buggy so please bring sun/bug protection and plenty of water.

* Note – later Start Time – Saturday April 13, 7.00 pm,  David Fine, Keys Moths, Nature Center, Big Pine Key

David Fine has taken citizen science to the extreme! Surveying the moths of the Florida Keys since 2002, David has identified over 630 species of moths just from Monroe County including a few species that have never been seen before.

Come learn about these observations and have a peak at some moths that will show up at David’s moth light!!

Learn more about David’s adventures in the world of moths by visiting his website: https://www.keysmoths.com/

Doors open at 6:30pm and seating is limited..  Don’t miss this marvelous moth talk!