Welcome to Virtual Mind Walks! Last March, COVID-19 restrictions forced us to cancel our lineup of annual Mind Walks lectures. Holding in-person lectures in a crowded room was no longer a safe option. Fortunately, we live in a time when technology allows us to meet virtually and join in the discussion without leaving our homes.
This year, California State Parks, in collaboration with the Central Coast State Parks Association, brings a new type of learning right to your living room: Virtual Mind Walks. These free, online presentations feature a variety of subject matter from experts covering topics aimed at stretching the mind of the avid lifelong learner.
This lecture series offers twice monthly educational opportunities devoted to recreational, natural, and cultural history topics as they relate to the Central Coast. The Mind Walks Program is underwritten by the Thomas E. and Mary Kathryn Eltzroth fund and supported by the Central Coast State Parks Association.
Upcoming Lectures
May 7, 2021
Effects of Human Disturbance on Marine Mammals with Dr. Heather Liwanag
Many of us have heard about the importance of responsible wildlife viewing, but why is it so important? In this presentation, you will learn about the common ways in which human disturbance can affect marine mammals, including effects that are not visible to the typical wildlife enthusiast. This will include tips for how to view our local marine mammals responsibly!
May 21, 2021
Agriculture’s Role in Landscape Conservation with Nick Babin
Nick will highlight the potential for agriculture in conserving biodiversity and providing ecosystem services at the landscape scale.
June 4, 2021
Dark Skies on the Central Coast with Dr. John Keller
Description and Sign-Up Link Coming Soon
June 18, 2021
Pismo Clams with Derek Stein
Description and Sign-Up Link Coming Soon
July 2, 2021
History of the Piedras Blancas Light Station with Ryan Cooper
Description and Sign-Up Link Coming Soon
July 16, 2021
The Morro-Islay Volcanic Chain: And What’s a Slab Window Anyway? with Scott Johnston
The Morro-Islay volcanic chain make up the iconoclastic peaks that define the San Luis Obispo area and provide spectacular hiking and climbing opportunities for inhabitants and visitors, but their formation is commonly misrepresented. In this talk, I will discuss how geologists study the formation of volcanic rocks, when and how the volcanic formations local to the San Luis Obispo area formed, and how their formation has helped geologists to better understand the evolution of the recent tectonic events in the region.
Sign-Up Link Coming Soon
August 6, 2021
Rare Plants in Harsh Environments: Serpentine Endemism in San Luis Obispo County with Kristen Nelson
California is a worldwide biodiversity hotspot, supporting more than 6,500 native plant species. Nearly 30 percent of these species occur only in California and more than 35 percent are considered rare and endangered. Serpentine and other ultramafic soils form some of the most exceptional and botanically diverse habitats in the state, despite covering less than 2 percent of the land area. Though rare in general, serpentine soils are relatively common in western San Luis Obispo County – and support a whole host of exceptional botanical wonders. Join me for a virtual jaunt through some of my favorite local serpentine outcrops.
Sign-Up Link Coming Soon
