LABELLE — Everyone is invited to the upcoming free Hendry-Glades Audubon program on Monday, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m. program “History of Human Relationships With the Waterfowl Group” presented by Dr. Paul Gray at the Dallas Townsend Agricultural Extension Office 1085 Pratt Blvd. Labelle.

Dr. Paul Gray is a Science Coordinator for Audubon Florida’s Everglades Restoration Program. Paul is based out of Lorida, FL and has been working in Florida for 35 years, with the last 28 for Audubon. Paul provides technical support for the policy team on water, land, and bird management issues primarily related to Lake Okeechobee, and state-wide issues as needed. He is a charter member of the Florida Grasshopper Sparrow Working Group and former co-chair of the Snail Kite Coordinating Committee.

Dr. Gray's educational background includes a BS from the University of Missouri, an MS from Texas Tech University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Florida.

There is an interesting history of human relationships with the waterfowl group.

Waterfowl, ducks, geese, and swans are among the most treasured birds in human cultures. They are pets, food, watch “dogs,” collector’s items, the subject of literature and art, harbingers of changing seasons, hunting and birding trophies and even have had dog breeds created just to hunt them.

North America hosts about one-third of all species in the world, and Florida hosts most North American species

Paul will talk about the diversity of this remarkable group including our human interactions and fascination with them.

Watch for notices about the Hendry/Glades Audubon upcoming speaker series the 2nd Monday December -May.

For information contact: Steve Buczynski stephenbuczynski@gmail.com or Margaret England hgaudubon@gmail.com 863-517-0202