Celebra ng Alaska’s Wildlife: Memoirs of a Field Biologist
A presenta on by biologist and photographer, Mike Denega
*KEY NOTE ‐ 11:00am
Alaska, the largest state in the union, and arguably hos ng the highest
diversity of plant and animal life in Northern America, is an obvious
Shangri‐La for photographers and a place every research biologist
dreams about being assigned. This presenta on will feature the highlights of Alaska’s terrain and icon
wildlife species, especially resident birds. Alaska has boas ng rights to the largest mountains, the
longest rivers, and the most massive glaciers, all of which are key components of wildlife habitats. The
connec on of Alaska’s bird life to the Central Valley with an emphasis on photography techniques will
be discussed.
BIO
Mike Denega, Professor of Biological Sciences, has spent many years as a teacher, researcher and
wildlife photographer. His work with the Migratory Bird Program and eco‐tourism projects began in the
Arc c Na onal Wildlife Refuge then spread throughout Alaska. Mike has processed photos for
numerous research and resource management agencies; USFWS, USGS, USFS, ADFW, and more. His
photos are used for lecture presenta ons, websites, interpre ve programs, magazines and book
covers. Re red from teaching, his love and enthusiasm for the biological sciences found a home in El
Dorado County serving the science departments at Folsom Lake College and El Dorado High School
where he engages students in the splendors of wildlife preserves in California, Nevada and countries
across the globe. Mike has received Outstanding Science Teacher
Recogni on awards from the University of Chicago, the Na onal
Research Society, Sigma XI, Sacramento State University, the
Mountain Democrat (readers survey award for Best Teacher) and
El Dorado High School (Teacher of the Year). In recogni on for
his work with high school students in the field, Mike was given
the Regional Conserva on Award by the American Fisheries
Society and nominated for a Na onal Wetlands Award,
presented by the Environmental Law Ins tute. Mike's love for
teaching, viewing wildlife, photography and traveling has been
shared with his students wholeheartedly and with sincere
passion. And now, he will share that passion with you!
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