Cedo Intercultural - Nature Talks and Presentations

Nature Talks and Presentations

Nature Talks

A natural history talk and exhibits tour is held at CEDO every Tuesday and Saturday. This is a well-known CEDO tradition, which began in the 1980’s. Our talks are a perfect opportunity to get answers to your questions about the local environment. Bring your family to learn about the Gulf of California’s extreme tides, the endangered vaquita porpoise and CEDO’s current projects.

Saturdays: 4 pm in English | 2 pm in Spanish

Tuesdays: 2 pm in English | 4 pm in Spanish

Set your own date for groups of 5 or more. Fees apply.

Slide Presentations

CEDO’s wealth of regional information and images are showcased in our slideshow presentations. Our presentations are available to any group of 5 or more people: visiting schools, organizations and the general public. All presentations begin with an intro to CEDO and the region, and can be focused on one or more of the following themes.

Introduction to Upper Gulf Natural History: CEDO is located where the harshest part of the Sonoran Desert, the Gran Desierto de Altar, meets one of the richest seas in the world. This slideshow presentation provides an overview not only of the biologic richness of this amazing ecosystem but also of the human history and impact in the region.

Estuary Life: The shores of the upper Gulf of California are punctuated by "negative" estuaries, which lack fresh water input. Nevertheless, these wetlands play a vital role in the health and productivity of the entire upper Gulf. Learn about these biologically diverse habitats and how oyster growers use them for low impact, sustainable activities.

Intertidal Life: At Puerto Peñasco the tidal range, at 24 ft vertical height (8 meters) is among the greatest in the world. When the tide recedes, up to five kilometers in some locations, it uncovers tidepools teeming with life. This slide presentation is a perfect prelude to an intertidal exploration.

Pinacate Volcanic Region: An introduction to the geology, history, and plant and animal life of this region of wind-swept dunes, lava flows and giant craters. Humans have occupied these rugged lands for ten thousand years. Today it is one of Mexico’s prized national parks, categorized as a Biosphere Reserve.

Marine Mammals: The Gulf of California is home to dozens of species of cetaceans and other marine mammals. CEDO has been studying these animals and working for their protection for over 25 years. This presentation not only reviews this history of research and conservation but also can help prepare students and volunteers for participation in ongoing marine mammal research projects at CEDO.

Biosphere Reserves and Conservation in the Northern Gulf of California: With a focus on CEDO’s current conservation priorities, this presentation introduces strategies for successful natural resource protection. We’ll share what has worked and what hasn’t throughout our 25-year history in the region.

* To make reservations click here.

30th Anniversary Tide Bits: Bats

* Design by Margaret Kimball

Bats are the only flying mammals in the world. All other mammals that are capable of "flight," such as flying squirrels, glide instead of fly and can only do so in short distance, unlike bats which are capable of long flights. Over 1,000 bat species exist worldwide, and a variety of bats can be found in the desert region around the Northern Gulf of California. Some species of bats in the Sonoran Desert are adapted to pollinate the flowers of the saguaro and organ pipe cacti.

On Isla San Jorge, a group of stone islets harboring a sea lion colony 20 miles off the coast of Las Conchas where CEDO is located, the Mexican Fish-eating bat (Myotis vivesi) can be found. This bat is endemic to the Sea of Cortez and has very long claws and large feet to assist in catching fish. Only a tiny percentage of bats eat fish, while around 70 percent eat insects, with fruit and nectar being the next most popular food of choice. While bats often have a negative connotation in popular culture, these flying mammals conduct vital ecological roles such as pollinating flowers and dispersing fruit seeds.