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Smithsonian Scientists Discuss: Extinctopedia

2025-06-04 14:00:00 2025-06-04 15:00:00 America/New_York Smithsonian Scientists Discuss: Extinctopedia Smithsonian scientists highlight information found in the Smithsonian’s book, Extinctopedia: Discover what we have lost, what is at risk, and how we can preserve the diversity of our fragile planet. Virtual -

Wednesday, June 04
2:00pm - 3:00pm

Add to Calendar 2025-06-04 14:00:00 2025-06-04 15:00:00 America/New_York Smithsonian Scientists Discuss: Extinctopedia Smithsonian scientists highlight information found in the Smithsonian’s book, Extinctopedia: Discover what we have lost, what is at risk, and how we can preserve the diversity of our fragile planet. Virtual -

Smithsonian scientists highlight information found in the Smithsonian’s book, Extinctopedia: Discover what we have lost, what is at risk, and how we can preserve the diversity of our fragile planet.

Extinctopedia tells a complex story, not just of those who are extinct but also of those in greatest peril, with explanations of what threatens their survival. It is also a story of hope—hopes for animals that have been rediscovered, hope in the form of newly-discovered animals, and hope that we might hear the warning call and act to preserve the amazing biodiversity of our fragile planet for future generations to come.

You’re invited to grab your family and friends and join us as Smithsonian scientists highlight information found in the Smithsonian’s book, Extinctopedia: Discover what we have lost, what is at risk, and how we can preserve the diversity of our fragile planet. In this talk, you will discover: 

  • Animals that are no longer with us
  • Endangered animals at risk of extinction
  • Organizations that aim to protect animal life
  • Strategies for preserving biodiversity

Extinctopedia provides a fascinating catalog of life on earth and encourages the reader to find ways of preserving the incredible diversity of species, so we may all thrive and life itself can endure on this amazing and beautiful planet.

About the Presenters: 

Brian Gratwicke is a conservation biologist and leads the amphibian conservation programs at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. Brian’s focus is building capacity to conserve amphibians in Appalachia and Panama, developing outreach and educational programs and exhibits to build public support for amphibian conservation, and research to develop tools to reintroduce amphibians back into the wild. At SCBI, Brian collaborates with Panamanian conservation biologists and zoo partners to build an ex-situ amphibian facility in Panama. The Panama Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project based at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Gamboa maintains and grows captive assurance populations of species most heavily affected by the deadly amphibian chytrid fungus. One major research focus is developing applied solutions for the amphibian chytrid fungus, including research into the area of beneficial skin bacteria and identifying genetic traits associated with resistance to the disease. He also conducts research into emerging diseases and the effects of climate change on Appalachian salamanders.

Gratwicke grew up in Zimbabwe and began his conservation work researching the impacts to freshwater fish in Africa. In 2000, he was awarded a Rhodes scholarship that took him to Oxford, where he studied marine fish communities in the British Virgin Islands for his doctorate. After completing his doctorate, Gratwicke moved to Washington, D.C., where he worked as a program administrator and then assistant director of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's Save the Tiger Fund.

Dr. Gina Della Togna is a researcher and conservationist, currently serving as the Executive Director of the Amphibian Survival Alliance and a Research Associate at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Dr. Della Togna earned her Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, with a specialization in Molecular and Cell Biology, from the University of Maryland, USA. Her groundbreaking research focuses on the reproductive biology of amphibians and the development of Assisted Reproductive Technologies for endangered species facing challenges in reproduction. As the co-Chair of the IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group ARTs and Biobanking working group since 2017 and co-author of the Amphibian Conservation Action Plan (ACAP), Dr. Della Togna plays a vital role in advancing conservation efforts for amphibian species worldwide. Additionally, she is part of the IUCN SSC ASG Atelopus Task Force and member of the Atelopus Survival Initiative, co-chairing the Ex Situ Working Group. Dr. Della Togna serves on the Advisory Board of the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, further showcasing her commitment to species preservation. Her dedication to amphibian conservation extends to her involvement in global, regional, and local initiatives, where she fosters collaborations and spearheads innovative projects to safeguard amphibian populations. Her expertise and passion have made her a leading figure in the field of conservation biology, inspiring positive change for the future of amphibians and their ecosystems.

AGE GROUP: | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Virtual | Lecture | History & Genealogy | Author event |

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Fri, May 30, 10:30am - 11:30am
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
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Bubbles, bubbles, and more bubbles!

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Monthly meeting on the fourth Monday of the month. Books are available to pick up at the Service Desk; new comers are always welcome.

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The daytime monthly book discussion group facilitated by Library Director Karen Ball. New members always welcome!

Wed, Jun 04, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual
Smithsonian scientists highlight information found in the Smithsonian’s book, Extinctopedia: Discover what we have lost, what is at risk, and how we can preserve the diversity of our fragile planet.
Register

Wed, Jun 04, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
Meets the first Wednesday of every other month. Participants will make and share dishes from the month’s selected cookbook. (Please sign up for the Cookbook Club by Monday, June 2nd. Thank you!)

Thu, Jun 05, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
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Author Alexis Prescott will discuss her recent release, The First Witches: Women of Power in the Classical World, a book which provides a readable overview of how the Western witch originated.
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Fri, Jun 06, 10:30am - 11:30am
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Build creativity and literacy skills with Ms. Jen!

Tue, Jun 10, 9:30am - 10:30am
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
Storytime curriculum and themed play activities.

Tue, Jun 10, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
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New York Times bestselling author Lisa Jewell as she introduces readers to her forthcoming title Don’t Let Him In.
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Tue, Jun 10, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
The monthly meeting of the Wilbraham Friends of the Library.

Fri, Jun 13, 10:30am - 11:30am
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Build creativity and literacy skills with Ms. Jen!

Sat, Jun 14, 10:00am - 10:45am
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Join us for a magical day!

Mon, Jun 16, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
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Author & historian Christopher Daley offers an engaging exploration of key events in the journey to emancipation and the evolution of Juneteenth.

Tue, Jun 17, 9:30am - 10:30am
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
Storytime curriculum and themed play activities.

Tue, Jun 17, 3:00pm - 7:00pm
Wilbraham Public Library
The monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees.

Cancelled
Tue, Jun 17, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Wilbraham Public Library
The monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees.

Wed, Jun 18, 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
The monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees.

Fri, Jun 20, 10:30am - 11:30am
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
Build creativity and literacy skills with Ms. Jen!
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Fri, Jun 20, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
Adults, join us to try a fun and relaxing craft--rock painting! No experience is necessary, and all supplies will be provided, but registration is necessary as space is limited.
Registration opens Friday, May 30 2025 at 9:00am

Sat, Jun 21, 10:00am - 11:30am
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
Create a sparkling bookmark!
Registration opens Monday, June 2 2025 at 9:00am

Mon, Jun 23, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
Monthly meeting on the fourth Monday of the month. Books are available to pick up at the Service Desk; new comers are always welcome.

Tue, Jun 24, 9:30am - 10:30am
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
Storytime curriculum and themed play activities.

Cancelled
Tue, Jun 24, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Wilbraham Public Library
The monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees.

Tue, Jun 24, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Virtual
Join us as award-winning author and summer reading champion Katherine Applegate talks to viewers about her enthusiastically heartwarming novel in verse, Odder. 
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Wed, Jun 25, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
Led by Jessica Magill For questions, contact Jessica: jessicammagill@hotmail.com

Thu, Jun 26, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
Calling all wildlife enthusiasts!
Registration opens Sunday, June 1 2025 at 9:00am

Rescheduled
Thu, Jun 26, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
New date Thursday, July 03, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Wilbraham Public Library
An orientation for new volunteers with Assistant Director Mary Bell.

Thu, Jun 26, 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Wilbraham Public Library
The monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees.

Fri, Jun 27, 10:30am - 11:30am
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
Build creativity and literacy skills with Ms. Jen!