Red Barn Series, Newfound Audubon
No registration necessary – just come and join us!

Speaker: Mirka Zapletal, Newfound Lake Region Association

In New Hampshire we hear that climate change is bringing us heat waves, heavy rain storms, and earlier springs. And it’s not just humans who will be affected- New Hampshire wildlife populations may have to adjust to these new conditions or disappear. How will climate change impact some of these same species in coastal areas along the Gulf of Mexico where land loss is an additional issue? Conservation ecologist Mirka Zapletal will share her research on coastal carnivores in Louisiana, such as coyotes and otters, and rodents with similar roles in the ecosystem. Future models of Louisiana’s coast suggest dramatically altered landscapes going forward and that could have huge impacts on where these species are found.

Please park across the street at Ash Cottage. Download a map here. Note that this is now a private residence and there is no bathroom access.

Mirka recently earned her doctorate from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette where she did this research. She’s now the Education & Outreach Manager for the Newfound Lake Region Association where her work focuses on getting people outside to experience the Newfound Watershed and conservation work in new ways.

Special thanks to our 2022 Red Barn Series sponsor, the Hebron Conservation Commission; and to our co-host, the Newfound Lake Region Association.

Photo: Mirka in the field (courtesy photo).