Join "accidental naturalist" Maria Mudd Ruth and Paul Kampmeier for a fascinating and urgent discussion about the Marbled Murelett, an endangered seabird that depends on the contested old-growth forests of the Pacific Northwest for its survival.

In her book Rare Bird: Pursuing the Mystery of the Marbled Murrelet Ruth traces reports of the bird back to Captain Cook’s ill-fated voyage of discovery on the Pacific Ocean in 1778, and explores the mindset of 19th and 20th-century naturalists who, despite their best efforts, failed to piece together clues about the whereabouts of the bird’s nest for 185 years. Part naturalist detective story, part environmental inquiry, this vibrant narrative follows the improbable trail from the hallowed halls of the Smithsonian Institute to the foggy coastal environs of Redwood National Park. Along the way, the author makes a compelling case for the search for meaning in our changeable world.

Maria will be joined by Vashon’s own Paul Kampmeier. As a lawyer Paul has litigated on behalf of groups like Puget Soundkeeper Alliance (PSA), People for Puget Sound, Waste Action Project, Washington Toxics Coalition, etc. He has also volunteered for WEC and PSA on their legal committees. At WFLC Paul focuses on Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act litigation on behalf of nonprofits working to protect and preserve natural resources on state and private forestlands in Washington and Oregon, and now involved it saving nesting habitats of the Marbled Murrelet.

The event, jointly sponsored by Vashon Maury Land Trust and Vashon Maury Audubon Society, is free and open to the public starting at 7 PM, Land Trust Building on Bank Road. Refreshment and snacks served. Maria will also be selling copies of her book.

At the Land Trust Building.