Public Lecture Series: Science in Action

About the Lecture Series

The USGS Science in Action public lecture series in Reston, VA is a monthly event. These evening events are free to the public and intended for a general audience to familiarize them with science issues that are meaningful to our daily lives.

The USGS speakers are selected for their ability and enthusiasm to share their expertise with an audience that may be unfamiliar with the topic.

The USGS lecture series provides the public an opportunity to interact with scientists and ask questions about recent developments in biology, geography, geology, water resources, climate change, energy and more.

Ultimately, the goal is to create a better understanding of the importance and value of USGS Science in Action.

Lecture Schedule

Inclement Weather: If Fairfax County Schools and activities are cancelled, the USGS Evening Lecture in Reston will be cancelled.

All lectures are held the first Wednesday of every month. For additional information please contact the USGS Visitor Center in Reston Virginia at 703-648-4748.

Lectures are held at the USGS in the Dallas Peck Auditorium, on the first floor of the USGS Building in Reston, Virginia. See below for directions to the USGS.

Wednesday February 3, 2010 7:00 PM
Title: Passing Strange
By Dr. Martha Sandweiss
(Cancelled due to weather. Event will be rescheduled)

(PDF of Flyer 252 KB)

Noted author Martha Sandweiss will share the amazing story of the secret life of Clarence King, the first USGS director. While he was well-known as a brilliant scientist and architect of the great surveys that mapped the West after the Civil War, he held a deep secret that was not revealed until decades later. Come hear this fascinating account of a man who by day socialized with the upper reaches of society and by night lived secretly as a black man. Not even his family knew his secret.

Wednesday March 3, 2010
Title: Extreme Science: Understanding our Earth
By Dr. Marcia McNutt

(PDF of Flyer 228 KB)

USGS Director Marcia McNutt will outline exciting new directions for cutting-edge science at the 130-year old agency. From astrogeology and Earth-observing satellites, to exploring gas hydrates and deep coral reefs, learn how USGS scientists employ highly innovative techniques and perspectives to develop a more complete understanding of how our Earth works.

Wednesday April 7, 2010 7:00 PM
Title: Wandering Wildlife: Tracking movement, migrations and mileage, from wolves to wading birds
By Robert Gill and Dr. L. David Mech

(PDF of Flyer 874 KB)

Wildlife tracking technology has evolved from bird bands to satellite transmitters and has a wide range of applications in answering important conservation questions. World renowned USGS researchers, L. David Mech and Robert Gill will talk about the use of the latest state-of-the-art technology in tracking wildlife. Mech will share the secret paths of a pack of 20 or more arctic wolves during 24 hours of darkness, and Gill will take us from the arctic to the tropics with migrating shorebirds, specifically godwits and curlews, who make phenomenal nonstop migrations across oceans and continents. Join us to learn about the versatility and innovation in technology that will ultimately guide conservation efforts.