Science on Sundays at  VIEW in Old Forge is continuing March 3 with “Migration of Monarch butterflies in and beyond New York” with Ernest Williams, co-author of The Stokes Butterfly Book, author of The Nature Handbook: A Guide to Observing the Great Outdoors, as well as other books, journals and numerous articles.

Recently quoted in New Scientist magazine regarding the monarch butterfly migration, the  Hamilton College Biology Professor stated that the Monarch butterfly species is not threatened, but rather its migration is endangered. Williams further states that if the climate alters, there are possibilities to consider such as a migratory shift further into Canada during summer or the monarchs may stop before reaching Mexico in the winter.

In addition to discussing the migratory patterns of the monarch butterfly, Williams will discuss how fluctuations in temperature and loss of its natural milkweed habitat will contribute to migration changes. There will be a Q&A following the 45-minute illustrated lecture. Held in the Eco Gallery, the year-round science and nature programs are free and open to the public. All Science on Sundays lectures start at 2:00 pm.

According to the Old Forge VIEW’s Media Manager Jody Pritchard, the importance of these Science on Sunday lectures is to demonstrate how the environment shapes all things from art to science.

Pritchard says, ”Who we are is because of our environment. With pristine mountain vistas surrounding us, we want to help preserve what is around us and inspire art that will be there for generations.”

The Eco Gallery at VIEW focuses on exhibits about the natural world. Currently the gallery holds a photography and illustration exhibit, “Things We Share From Our Woods” from father and son team, Gary and Mitch Lee until March 17^th. Enjoy!

Monarch butterfly photo used with the permission of Diane Chase, AdirondackFamilyTime.com