Joint meeting of environmental groups features nature walk, potluck, lecture on sea creatures

Potluck/Lecture: Feeding activity of bony fish, sharks & rays
Date: Wednesday, July 13, 4:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Nature's Classroom, 13100 Verges Rd, Thonotosassa, FL 33592

The public is invited to a joint meeting of Sierra Club Tampa Bay Group, Tampa Audubon Society & Suncoast Native Plant Society. Schedule:

4:30 pm Nature Walk 5:30 pm Social Time 6:00 pm Potluck Supper 7:00 pm Program: Dr. Phillip Motta, Feeding activity of bony fish, sharks & rays

Nature's Classroom is a 365-acre environmental studies program and learning laboratory that is used by students of the Hillsborough County Public Schools. It houses an abundance of natural Florida plants, birds and animals which is why you may choose to come early for a guided Nature Walk. Please arrive at 4:15 pm if you would like to join the 4:30 pm Nature Walk (bug spray, hat and sturdy walking shoes recommended).

Potluck Dinner: At 6 pm a potluck dinner will begin in the beautiful air conditioned comfort of the TECO Center for Environmental Studies. Plenty of parking can be found in the lot directly in front of the Center. Please bring a dish of your choice to share (appetizer, salad, entrée or dessert); plates, utensils, coffee and cold beverages will be supplied. The food is as varied as the company. Always very tasty too!

Program: Dr. Phillip Motta from USF who specializes in the study of the feeding activity of bony fishes, sharks, and rays. Most of his past research has been on tropical reef fishes and sharks, as the evolution of feeding mechanisms in sharks and rays presents a unique opportunity to investigate the function of feeding systems in fishes and other aquatic vertebrates. He is certain to have many interesting observations regarding the threats to marine ecology stemming from human activities both on the water and on land.

How to get there: Verges Road is on the north side of Morris Bridge Road a few miles east of I-75 just past the Circle K convenience store. Look for the Sierra Club signs at the entrance. Follow the dirt road (Verges is unpaved) to the end. Plenty of parking. You can’t miss us!