John Robinson has a big ambition, and an uphill climb -- maybe. At “Changing the Face of Environmental Conservation Through Birding,” the African-American wildlife biologist, ornithologist, and author of Birding for Everyone: Encouraging People of Color to Become Birdwatchers speaks almost evangelically. He’s one of those people who have discovered something they love so much that they just have to share it with everybody -- Robinson seems a tiny bit incredulous that not everyone already watches birds. Which we get, totally. Birdwatching is fun, free, and outside your window right now. It’s also mysterious and dangerous, like if you ever get to see an owl up close. So why isn’t it more popular among city kids? Robinson has answers (education and outreach), plans (work with non-profits), and a ton of enthusiasm. Oh, and Obama? In case you’re looking for a bird guy who’s already worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, you found him.
Tue., March 31, 6 p.m., 2009
