January speaker focuses on Great Lakes aquatic species at risk

Twenty Essex County Nature members attended a live online presentation Jan. 13 about species at risk in the Great Lakes.

The Great Lakes provide us with fresh drinking water, food and recreational opportunities. They also support a diverse array of plants and animals, with rich ecosystems that are unique in the world.

Guest speaker Kat Lucas, the Aqua-Links program assistant at the Toronto Zoo, talked about some of the species at risk and what we can do to protect their sensitive ecosystems.

Lucas has a passion for conservation education and connecting others with the environment. She graduated from the University of Guelph with a bachelor of science, zoology and a master of environmental science with a focus on aquatic toxicology and fish reproduction.

Her presentation to the club was a timely inspiration to learn more about what is in our local waters and how we can help reduce pollution.

Interested in learning more about the Toronto Zoo Great Lakes Program and the important role mussels play in this ecosystem? Tap the links below.

If you missed the Jan. 13 presentation, it is now posted on Essex County Nature’s YouTube channel.

• YouTube

It was great to see everyone who attended this presentation. We will continue bringing in speakers for our monthly Zoom meetings until we can safely meet in person.