The Science Behind Saving a Species

Cornwall, ON – On Wednesday, March 2^nd at 7 pm an award winning Eastern Ontario Conservationist with an enthusiasm for some of the province’s lesser understood species at risk will lead the March session of Science and Nature on Tap at Schnitzel’s.

Matt Ellerbeck is a young and passionate naturalist from the Thousand Islands region of the St. Lawrence River whose efforts have been earning him province wide recognition.  Accolades include special honours from the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority and a Green Globe Award nomination from the Commerce and Engineering Environmental Conference.  He has also been named a visionary by “Within Kingston Magazine” and has aptly been described as being ” so full of enthusiasm, he looks like he will burst at any moment” by the South Frontenac Natural Environmental Committee.  The Nature’s Explorer’s Camp has hailed him as both a Habitat Hero and a Conservation Champion for his work to protect amphibians and reptiles at risk in Ontario.

His current work includes public education and conservation surrounding salamanders, who are currently in crisis.  His Salamander Saturday sessions at the Thousand Islands National Park are a popular vehicle for spreading the word and a big attraction.  Ellerbeck says, “Salamanders are in terrible crisis and species are disappearing from the wild at an alarming rate.” He adds, “Due to their mysterious and secretive nature, their declining populations, are largely going unnoticed and unchecked by scientists and few conservation groups are devoted to their recovery.”

Join salamander Conservationist and advocate Matt Ellerbeck for a fascinating and insightful presentation on the plight of salamanders and how we can all help in their conservation.

This free session, hosted by the St. Lawrence Institute of Environmental Sciences, is held at Schnitzels European Flavours but space is limited.  If you would like more information or to reserve a seat please call (613) 936-6620 or e-mail kcooper@riverinstitute.ca or visit the River Institute website at www.riverinstitute.ca.

–       30  –

Media Contact:
Karen Douglass Cooper
Communications / Community Outreach Officer
Remedial Action Plan Coordinator
St. Lawrence River (Cornwall)

St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences
2 St. Lawrence Drive
Cornwall, ON  K6H 4Z1
kcooper@riverinstitute.ca
www.riverinstitute.ca
(613) 936-6620 (ext.229)