11am-12pm: Insect Puppets and their Fungal Magistrates! w/ Cara Gibson

Have you ever wondered about how scary it would be to have your guts eaten from the inside by a parasite so carefully that no one around you could see a difference until you exploded? In some cases, mates found you even more attractive? Come hear some great stories about fungus-controlled insects. Bring a strong stomach. Pre-registration is highly recommended as space is limited. This program is part of our Invertebrate Week presentation series; see the full presentation schedule and learn more about the event here.

Facilitator Bio:

Cara was trained as an Entomologist (Insect Scientist, MSc, PhD) and her Insect-Fungal Symbiosis research required Microbiology, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology skills. Cara has had a varied career in science research, management, and education with over 24 years in science communications and outreach! Cara loves her human community as well as insects and organized one of her city's top 20 events — The Arizona Insect Festival - and co-produced an Emmy-nominated short documentary, Insecta. Cara is currently the Executive Director at Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary on Lekwungen Territory -- a living classroom with 11 staff and 250 volunteers dedicated to offering an accessible gathering place to practice ecological restoration and the skills for a climate-resilient future.

Where: The Nature House - 3873 Swan Lake Road

When: Wednesday, March 19th, 11:00am-12:00pm

Who: Everyone welcome!

Cost: Nature House admission and presentation sessions for Invertebrate Week are by donation.