Moose Mountains Regional Greenways
Box 191, Union, NH 03887
603-473-2020
info@mmrg.info
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 1/8/2020
Susan Morse Presents “The Cougar Returns to the East”
Moose Mountains Regional Greenways (MMRG) will present renowned wildlife expert and photographer Susan Morse for a weekend of events that will delight all who are fascinated by North American native wildlife, especially the elusive cougar. On Friday, February 21, Morse will give a 75-minute slide show introduction to cougar biology and ecology at Kingswood High School Auditorium in Wolfeboro. Two wildlife tracking workshops on Saturday, February 22, will provide opportunities for learning from the expert in a small group setting out in our local woods.
Cougars are unquestionably returning to eastern North America, with cougar dispersals and occupancy now documented in a growing list of eastern states and provinces. Along with her magnificent photographs of cougars in the broad diversity of habitats where she has studied them, Morse will give the lowdown on the latest confirmations of cougars in the east, including the suitability of wild habitats from Maine to Georgia. Sam Evans-Brown of NHPR’s Outside/In will moderate the Q&A discussion that follows.
Morse’s workshops and lecture/slide shows are popular throughout New England. Jane Winn of Berkshire Environmental Action Team affirmed, “We bring Sue Morse back every year with different programs, but the cougar presentation attracts the most people. And she always adds something new! It’s both entertaining and educational and has her amazing photos of cougars of all ages.” Winn concluded,” You’re going to love her presentation!”
The wildlife tracking workshops are part of Morse’s award-winning ‘Keeping Track’ program that teaches concerned adults and children to observe, interpret, and record evidence of wildlife in their region. Participants will get to explore our local forests, identifying and tracking our native species while asking questions and learning from Morse’s lifetime of experience. MMRG volunteer Cindy Barstow, who has taken several ‘Keeping Track’ walks, offered this description, “She’s great at bringing alive all the nature stories happening right outside your home every night!”
‘The Cougar Returns to the East’ slide show on Friday, February 21 starts at 7 pm at Kingswood High School Performing Arts Center Auditorium, 396 South Main St, Wolfeboro. Tickets are $10 general admission or $5 for youth/students with ID, available at the door or in advance online at www.mmrg.info.
The Keeping Track workshop will be offered for a cost of $35 on Saturday, February 22; participants may choose a workshop from 9 am – 12 pm or from 1 – 4 pm. Advance registration is required by 5 pm on Wednesday, February 18; online signup is available at www.mmrg.info or call MMRG Education Coordinator Kari Lygren at 603-978-7125. Participation is limited to 20 people in each workshop so early registration is encouraged. Workshops will require moderate hiking and other outdoor physical activity in potentially inclement weather. The location within MMRG’s seven town service area will be chosen based on conditions just prior to the event.
MMRG, a non-profit land trust, works to conserve and connect important water resources, farm and forest lands, wildlife habitats, and recreational land and offers regular educational opportunities to inform all ages about the benefits of our region’s natural resources. More information and a calendar of upcoming events are available at www.mmrg.info. MMRG would like to thank Meredith Village Savings Bank and Eastern Propane for sponsoring this Sue Morse program of events. Space is still available for additional sponsors. Businesses interested in learning more about sponsorships may contact Jill Eldredge, Executive Director, at jill.mmrg@gmail.com.
Photograph © Susan C. Morse
Photo of Sue Morse
Photo by Sue of cougar leaping river
