Ashland University’s Environmental Lecture Series is inviting all individuals to engage in a discussion of Lake Erie’s wetland restoration this November.

The lecture series, which focuses on exploring the issues of the environment, has been in existence for 26 years. The theme for this year is Ohio’s North Coast.

To showcase the first lecture of the year, speaker Chris May, who is the director of restoration for the Nature Conservancy in Michigan, will be joining the AU community to talk about restoring the coastal wetlands for animals such as migratory birds and waterfowl, as well as plants and other wildlife.

Founded in 1951, The Nature Conservancy is an organization that aims to find ways to protect the environment by utilizing knowledgeable scientists and valuable resources across the country, to create a cleaner, safer, and more welcoming atmosphere for the wildlife.

Involved with the Lake Erie Restoration since 2008, from a young age, May has always had a love for the outdoors, as well as a fascination with wildlife and plants. He explained why it is crucial to bring awareness to the environment’s issues.

“It is an important topic because the coastal wetlands and that part of Lake Erie have been declining for years,” May said. “It is estimated that only about 11 percent of the wetlands remain. They are really valuable, natural features for wildlife and recreational use, fishing, hunting and bird watching.”

May noted that he is no stranger to presenting, as he has conducted a webinar series on this topic, spoke at professional conferences such as The Society for Ecological Restoration in Washington, D.C. and The Michigan Wetlands Association in Okemos, Michigan.

“I feel comfortable with the presentation; I’m excited and looking forward to a new audience,” May said.

Patricia Saunders, an associate professor of biology and the director of the environmental science program, has been involved since 2010. She acknowledged that the environmental lecture series is something that everyone can enjoy, regardless if one has a science background or not.

“People are often surprised how connected they are to a science topic; our presenters do the work that they do because they love the outdoors, a species they are working on or the systems they are involved with,” Saunders said.

Saunders said that students take away something positive from each lecture, and considers it to be “very enriching.”

The lecture is free and will be held on Nov. 15 at 7:30 p.m. at Ronk Lecture Hall in the Dwight Schar College of Education. All individuals are welcome to attend. To learn more information about the upcoming lectures, go to https://www.ashland.edu/cas/environmental-science-program/lecture-series.