Presenter: Lisa Frances LaCivita, PhD.

PVMN Continuing Education Eligible

This program is free and everyone is welcome to attend; no pre-registration is required.

Local Amphibian Monitoring: What are Frogs Telling Us and Why Should We Care?

Amphibians are fascinating creatures that have important ecological roles. Throughout their various life stages, they are a significant food item for birds, fish and other animals. World-wide amphibian populations have experienced significant declines and many species are at risk of extinction. What about our local amphibians? How are they monitored and what is their status? Lisa’s PhD research focused on amphibian monitoring in neighboring Frederick County, Virginia, and the correlation between amphibian presence and watershed integrity. In this presentation Lisa will discuss the results of her investigation, the significance to public policy, some “good news” in this realm as well as opportunities for citizen science related to amphibian monitoring.

Dr. Lisa LaCivita resides in Stephens City, Virginia. She completed a Master of Science in Geographic and Cartographic Science and a PhD in Environmental Science and Public Policy at George Mason University. Her dissertation topic “Amphibian Monitoring for Ecosystem Services, Citizen Engagement and Public Policy” resulted from an interest in what could be done at the local (county) level to protect water quality and water resources. Lisa taught computer assisted design and GIS at Hagerstown Community College as well as courses at George Mason University. Prior to teaching she worked for a land surveying and engineering company after earning a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology from West Virginia Institute of Technology (now part of WVU.) After securing her Associate of Applied Science in Recreation and Parks from Northern Virginia Community College Lisa worked as a professional river guide on the New River in West Virginia. She also served four years as membership chair for Potomac Valley Audubon!

Directions:

• Hospice of the Panhandle, 330 Hospice Lane, Kearneysville, WV 25430
• www.hospiceotp.org
• Turn onto Hospice Lane and follow the road back. The Education Center will be on your left (the inpatient facility will be on your right). The door to enter for the PVAS Program is to the right of the main office door. Look for the yellow Audubon signs.

Please contact Krista Hawley at adultprograms@potomacaudubon.org or 681-252-1387 with any questions you may have.