Sense of Place Lecture Series Announces Season 12 Lineup
Mt. Adams Institute is excited to announce the line-up for the 12th annual Sense of Place Lecture Series. The lectures feature a wide range of topics spanning natural history, geology, conservation, public health history, and more. Season 12 will kick off Oct. 13, 2021 at 7p.m. with a lecture by Michael Beug. Beug, a retired chemistry, mycology and organic farming professor of 32 years, will give a lively discussion and slide show about the unusual mushrooms of Cascadia.
All dates for the Sense of Place lectures are booked at the Columbia Center for the Arts in downtown Hood River. Lectures will be live in-person events when current public heath and organization guidelines allow. If a presentation must be virtual due to safety precautions, it will be offered online during the same date and time. Lectures occur on the first or second Wednesday of the month, October through April, at 7 p.m. Following all lectures, there will be time for Q&A.
2021-22 Sense of Place Lecture Series
October 13, 2021 - The Unusual Mushrooms of Cascadia
Learn about the fantastic diversity of “fungus among us” in the Columbia River Gorge.
Speaker: Michael Beug
November 10, 2021 – Rare Carnivores of the High Cascades
Learn about rare carnivores in the Washington Cascades from the founder of the Cascades Carnivore Project.
Speaker: Jocelyn Akins
December 8, 2021 - Debris Flows from Mount Adams and Mt. Hood
Take a look at how scientists assess the what, where, how, and why of big debris flows on Mt. Adams and Mt. Hood.
Speaker: Richard Iverson
January 12, 2022 - Native Bees of the Gorge
Did you know there are over 500 species of bees in Oregon and Washington? Learn more about native bees!
Speaker: Frances Ambrose Fischer
February 9, 2022 – A Model of Health: Community Health Workers in the Gorge
Learn more about the local history of promoting health in Gorge communities.
Speakers: Maria Antonia “Toña” Sanchez and Joel Pelayo
March 9, 2022 – Rajneeshees in Oregon
Get the full scoop on the Rajeneeshees from a two time Pulitzer finalist.
Speaker: Les Zaitz
April 13, 2022 – Forests, Wildfire, Timber Wars and Finding Common Ground: A Panel Conversation
Learn more about the history and the future of Gorge landscapes and how human activity has drastically altered the landscape.
Speakers/Panelists: Jay McLaughlin, Les Perkins, Susan Jane Brown, Emily Platt, moderated by Sarah Fox
For more information about each lecture please go to mtadamsinstitute.org/senseofplace.
This season welcomes the return of Sarah Fox, now in her third year as host and curator of Sense of Place. After taking a year off from live events due to the pandemic, the entire team is hopeful this season may see a return to live events for the high-caliber lecture series.
“Nothing compares to live, in-person events and we are excited at the prospect of presenting again at the Columbia Center for the Arts,” Fox said. “Of course, we learned this past year to be ready for anything and that adaptability on the part of everyone really paid off.”
The 2020-21 season saw its largest attendance in history, including local audiences and people tuning in from across the country.
“Last year demonstrated what’s really at the heart of this Sense of Place community – we are connected to each other, regardless the circumstances. Our shared curiosity about this place can always bring us together.” Fox added.
Sense of Place is a program of the Mt. Adams Institute, whose mission is to strengthen the connection to the natural world through education, service learning, career development, and research.
“These lectures provide a great opportunity to learn more about the place(s) that we call home. From new arrivals to life-long residents, there is something of interest to all,” said Brendan Norman, Executive Director of Mt. Adams Institute.
The Sense of Place lecture series is seeking sponsors for the upcoming season. Sponsorship allows businesses and individuals to support these important conversations while also advertising your services. With multiple presentation platforms and an online archive, sponsors will have a great opportunity to reach a broader audience and play a vital role in supporting a long-running and valued program. To learn more about becoming a Sense of Place sponsor, go to https://mtadamsinstitute.org/senseofplacesponsor/ or email Sarah Fox at sop@mtadamsinstitute.org.
