Bolsa Chica Conservancy -

ExperTalk Series

The ExperTalk Series is a great way for members of the community to learn more about topics related to Bolsa Chica, such as local plants and wildlife, restoration practices, nutrient cycling within wetlands, and Native American history! Our ExperTalk series also provide presentations on current day issues relating to environmental conservation and other relative ecology topics such as drought-tolerant landscaping and local biodiversity of zooplankton.

For more information on the ExperTalk Series or to RSVP, contact Kirsten Haltman at 714-846-1114 or kirsten@bolsachica.org.

Upcoming ExperTalk Events:

Where We Bow Our Heads by Joyce Stanfield Perry (POSTPONED TO A LATER DATE)

Description: Before homes, oil operations, duck hunting, or cattle ranching ever existed in and around Bolsa Chica, the area was inhabited—and cared for—by Native Americans. The Tongva and Acjachemen nations lived in balance with the ecosystems around then, but over the centuries, much of the history and culture of these nations was lost due to changes in use of the land. In this talk, Joyce Stanfield Perry will speak on the history and cultural significance of the sacred site that once existed at Bolsa Chica, and the experience of seeing it destroyed through the eyes of a Native woman. In addition, she will address how we can continue to live in areas like Bolsa Chica while also leading with respect for both the people that first inhabited those lands and the natural world as a whole.

Speaker Bio: AJoyce Stanfield Perry is of Acjachemen, Luiseno and Kumeyaay descent, a mother, a Tutu, a wife and an auntie, and her work in her community spans over 30 years. She is also an Acjachemen tribal scholar, founder and President of Payomkawichum Kaamalam—an American Indian non-profit organization founded in 2000, Founder and Executive Director of the Acjachemen Tongva Land Conservancy, Cultural Resource Director for the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation-Belardes, and former Board Member of the Blas Aguilar Adobe Museum/Acjachemen Cultural Center. As an American Indian consultant for archaeological projects, she has negotiated with landowners for repatriation and reburial of ancestors and their belongings. In addition, she has been instrumental in developing and educating Native and non-Native personnel in forming policies for cultural and historical preservation. Previously, Joyce was a member of the Laguna Canyon Foundation Interpretive Exhibit Design Team for the James and Rosemary Nix Nature Center, member of the Putideum Park Project, Portola Springs Community Center Acjachemen Room Project, and has been instrumental in the Acjachemen Language Revitalization Movement.

Duration: approx. 90 minutes Program Contribution: $5.00 per participant*

This event has been postponed to a later date.

PROGRAM FLYER

Most Recent ExperTalk Events:

Expert Talk Series “Surprising Connections in the Natural (and Unnatural) World" with Drew Talley, Ph.D. | March 20, 2021

Synopsis: Individual habitats, natural populations, and even people are “connected.” What affects one may have profound and often unexpected implications in others. Drew Talley, Ph.D., associate professor of environmental and ocean sciences at the University of San Diego, has been studying these connections in habitats ranging from salt marshes to desert islands for the past 25 years, and will share some of these insights.

Expert Talk Series “The History of the Bolsa Chica Gun Club" with Chris Epting | February 20, 2021

Synopsis: Founded in 1899, the Bolsa Chica Gun Club was a retreat for the rich and powerful, including one notable member, Henry Huntington, who forever changed the surrounding area when he made plans to purchase Pacific city in 1903, thus creating “Huntington Beach.” However, the club holds many other stories, from a near blood-feud between local farmers and out-of-town millionaires to its hosting of many luminaries and, ultimately, its place in World War II history as a coastal military barracks. What other secrets are held here today among the sparse ruins? Author Chris Epting has uncovered little-known tales and mysteries along with rarely-seen photos.

Expert Talk Series “The Geologic History of Southern California” with Eric Cathcart, M.S. | January 30, 2021

Synopsis: California is renowned throughout the world for our biological diversity, but the geologic history of the region is just as fascinating as our plant and animal life. The geology of California is highly complex, with numerous mountain ranges, substantial and historically intense tectonic activity, and rich natural resources that have made the state a mining hotspot. But what exactly happened all those millions of years ago that shaped California as it is today? To find out, join the Conservancy and Eric Cathcart as he describes the very unique conditions that created the geologic wonders of Southern California.

If you would like to view any other previous ExperTalks, click here!

*The Bolsa Chica Conservancy is committed to providing education for all, but programs like our ExperTalk Series would not be possible without support from the members of our community. Program contributions help to ensure the Conservancy is able to continue providing environmental education to all ages. If you are able, please consider contributing more to help support the Conservancy's education programs!