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Join conservation biologist and educator Geri Vistein to explore the world of the coyote. Investigate the coyote's historical relationship with humans, their ecosystem, and other wildlife, while discovering how we can all coexist. Suggested donation is $5 per person. Meet in Mather Auditorium.

Geri Vistein is a Conservation Biologist whose focus is carnivores and their vital role in maintaining the biodiversity of our planet. In addition to research and collaboration with fellow biologists in Maine, she focuses her work on educating the Maine community about carnivores, and how we can coexist with them. She has achieved this through creative outreach projects with artists, musicians, poets and puppeteers, and through formal presentations to diverse audiences all over the state. She works with land trusts who seek to initiate greater biodiversity on the land they have protected by incorporating carnivores into their goals. She is also collaborating with organizations and schools to teach children through experiential learning opportunities, and partnering with universities in innovative educational initiatives for both students and the public.

While living in Montana, Geri participated in research projects concerning carnivores: The Grizzly Bear DNA Study in and around Glacier National Park, The Elk Calf Mortality Study (determining the carnivores that caused their deaths) in the Blackfoot Valley of Montana, and a Snowshoe Hare study (in reference to an ongoing Lynx study) in Yellowstone National Park. In addition to her field work in the West, she was employed by Redlodge Clearinghouse, a collaborative effort in the West that brings diverse groups of stakeholders together. Participants create projects that involve “thinking out of the box” in order to find solutions on behalf of land and wildlife protection.

Geri continues to expand her work here in Maine by creating an Educational Network for all Maine citizens, teachers, farmers, legislators, and political leaders in order that Maine will stand out in the Nation as a leader in the protection of a rich biodiversity.