Microcosm 2010

[Ron]

Tree Walkers International (a non-profit amphibian conservation organization), is proud to present Microcosm, a celebration of life under glass. Microcosm is a new kind of event that brings enthusiasts together through the common bond of nurturing life within glass enclosures, from aquaria to vivaria, greenhouses and Wardian cases.

The theme of Microcosm is conservation. Just as species combine to form healthy, functioning ecoysystems, Microcosm seeks to form a coalition of partners who apply their skills in cooperation to safeguard the planet's biodiversity.

Microcosm will take place September 3-4, 2010 in Lynnwood, WA (just north of Seattle). It is a two-day event that will include field trips, lectures, workshops, and a vendor sale. All proceeds benefit Tree Walkers International to support amphibian conservation efforts.

For more information, visit the Microcosm website at: Home | Microcosm 2010

More information will be added to the website in the coming weeks, so check back often to see how things are coming together, order tickets to reserve your spot at the conference, or sign up to be a vendor.

We hope to see you there!

 

[John]

Stickied and added to our calendar.

 

[Ron]

Thanks for putting this up as a sticky, John...it's greatly appreciated! I used to be a member here, but I couldn't remember my old login info and my e-mail address has since changed.

If anyone has any questions about TWI and our amphibian conservation projects, or Microcosm, please don't hesitate to ask. It would be great to have a strong presence of caudate enthusiasts present at the conference...either as attendees or vendors.

 

[SludgeMunkey]

I am planning on attending. Anyone else?

 

[Kaysie]

I might think about it. Will you fly or drive, Johnny? Maybe we could carpool.

 

[craig]

I am hoping to go and I live in the Seattle area not far from the airport so if someone needs a ride from the airport to the show, my car seats four (comfortably). Craig

 

[SludgeMunkey]

I might think about it. Will you fly or drive, Johnny? Maybe we could carpool.

I will have to fly, it is just too long of a drive.

 

[ebonykrow]

I'll have to check with stitchpunk but I highly doubt there is anyway we could get to Seattle for the conference. We could, swim...then walk then swim some more if we start right now! It's such a bummer being this far away from the main hub of caudate enthusiasts, I'd love to meet some of you and learn about conservation from the people who are hands on and out there doing it.
Alas, I'll get my satellite binoculars and watch from afar

 

[Ron]

Hi everyone, A few images of the venue for Microcosm have been posted on the website (right side - click on an image to view a larger version): Location | Microcosm 2010

The Embassy Suites Seattle-North has a large atrium in the middle to which all of the rooms open up to, including the bar & grill, espresso bar, and conference halls. There is plenty of space for people to hang out and mingle in the evenings, after the talks, during the show, etc. There are tropical trees and foliage as well as waterfalls and flowing streams with fish (and even a native wetland outside next to the parking lot). It's the perfect venue for this event.

Our keynote speakers this year are Dr. Joseph R. Mendelson III, Curator of Herpetology at Zoo Atlanta, and John E. Simmons of Museologica and Adjunct Curator of Collections, Earth and Mineral Sciences Museum and Art Gallery at Pennsylvania State University. Their talks, stemming from extensive knowledge and work in the fields of herpetology, natural history, and conservation, are not ones you'll want to miss.

Throughout the vendor show on Saturday we will be offering various talks and workshops. We would like to see numerous interests represented at the show (including caudates), and if you are a member or spokesperson for a local club or society that might be intersted in doing a presentation, please feel free to contact us through the website.

We've also got a Facebook Event page set up to help keep folks informed and provide another way to stay connected: Welcome to Facebook | Facebook

I'll continue to provide updates as they happen!

 

[Ron]

With the event just over 4 months away, vendor packets are now available for those who would like to secure a table for the Saturday show. Just fill out this online form and we will promptly get a packet to you through the mail: Become a Vendor | Microcosm 2010

We have also begun to confirm speakers for the lectures on Saturday, the forming list of which can be viewed here: Lectures & Workshops | Microcosm 2010

If you have any questions at all about Microcosm or vending, feel free to ask!

 

[Jennewt]

There will be opportunities for some kind of Caudatan get-together at this event. Possibilities include an informal meet&greet during or after the Saturday show, something like a workshop that would be open to anyone attending the conference, or maybe even a caudate-specific herping expedition on the Friday. Any other suggestions or specific ideas?

 

[Ron]

Hi Jenn, there will definitely be opportunities for folks to get together. The event and rooms are all in the same venue, and we planned this on purpose to allow get togethers, discussions, drinking late into the night with other hobbyists, etc. The conference rooms that the vendor show is taking place in opens up to a large tropical atrium with seating and open areas, bar & grill, espresso bar...making for a great spot for people to gather.

Also, on Friday we are planning an amphibian-geared field trip into the North Cascades ecosystem to look for Tailed frogs, Northwestern salamanders, etc. More details on that (and sign-up information) will be available in the coming weekds.

 

[jamminnewt]

I really hope to be there. I am in the process of changing jobs and possibly locations. I couldn't find a sign-up page. Is this something that we just show up for?

If there is a field-herping trip to be had I've gotta get this nailed down! This sounds like such a neat event!

 

[Jennewt]

The sign-up for the field trips can be accessed from this page:
Events | Microcosm 2010
I believe that the other events are things where you "just show up".
The list of Saturday speakers, including yours truly, is posted:
Lectures & Workshops | Microcosm 2010
I suspect that if there is a caudata.org get-together, it's going to be either (1) find me after my talk, and we'll have a spontaneous gathering, and/or (2) the "drinking late into the night with other hobbyists" mentioned by Ron.

Regarding vendors, do not expect to find any newts/sals for sale. Virtually all of them are illegal to possess in the state of Washington.

 

[Ron]

Jenn answered before I got a chance to...and she pretty much nailed it. We just opened registration for the herp field trip into the North Cascades which, if you've never been, is an absolute must see! We should be able to scare up some Tailed frogs and hopefully Northwestern salamanders and other species of caudates.

The general schedule for the two days can be found here: Events | Microcosm 2010

And for the most part, you just show up for things. The field trip on Friday requires that you pre-register so we can reserve the appropriate number of vans, logistics, etc. The keynote speaker event on Friday night is free and open to the public, along with the socializing time afterward (as late into the night as people want to stay up). Saturday is the vendor/exhibitor show, which there is a cost, but you can pay at the door. This gets you entrance into all of the lectures throughout the day (including Jenn's) as well as a free drink (1 alcoholic or 2 non-alcoholic) during the live auction at the end to raise funds for TWI's amphibian conservation programs.

 

[Ron]

We are finalizing plans for the field trip on Friday (Sept 3) of Microcosm: it will be in the Mt. Index area, which is an incredible peak in the damp, western coastal slopes of the Cascade Mountains. This is a fantastic area to look for (and almost always find) various salamanders and newts!

Regarding vendors and sal/newt availability: I know that many species are considered illegal to keep within the state of WA...but it's a strange situation. I have attended quite a few herp shows within the state where vendors (most based in WA) are keeping and selling various salamander species.

 

[John]

I would love to go, mainly for the field trip and to meet some of the west coast people. Scaring up the cash is an issue - it's the guts of $500 to fly out there and back for me.

 

[michael]

Regarding vendors and sal/newt availability: I know that many species are considered illegal to keep within the state of WA...but it's a strange situation. I have attended quite a few herp shows within the state where vendors (most based in WA) are keeping and selling various salamander species.

The same thing happens at most reptile shows. Vendors often sell animals that are not legal to be sold. It's really embarassing when it happens at a conservation event.

 

[Ron]

I agree, Mike...and knowing the legality, we will definitely keep our eyes out.

 

[NewtZoo]

Ill be there! Super excited!!! Im buying my ticket this week I will be turning 28 that Saturday so look for the guy in the Birthday hat.