Vital Ground Presents Douglas Chadwick to Talk about Grizzlies

MISSOULA - In a lively and thought-provoking evening presentation Thursday, Feb. 16 at 7 p.m. at the Heritage Hall, 20 Fort Missoula Road, Missoula, Mont., wildlife biologist and author Douglas Chadwick, who recently published “Tracking Gobi Grizzlies: Surviving Beyond the Back of Beyond” (with photographs by Joe Riis), will recap this rare bear’s fight for survival in one of the toughest, most remote settings on earth. His presentation, will illustrate why saving this endangered animal supports an entire ecosystem made up of hundreds of interconnected plants and animals—from desert roses to Asiatic lynx and wild double-humped camels—all adapting as best they can to the effects of climate change.  (Chadwick’s Gobi Bear work continues in the tradition of his best-selling adventure memoir, “The Wolverine Way”).   

 This parable of environmental stewardship in a harsh and legendary realm will be introduced by some captivating photo portraits by Joel Sartore of some of the world’s most endangered species. The images are drawn from the forthcoming large-format book, “The Photo Ark” (National Geographic), for which Chadwick wrote the text.

 Chadwick will also talk about our homegrown bears, the grizzlies of the Northern Rockies and the important conservation efforts of The Vital Ground Foundation. Chadwick serves on Vital Ground’s board of trustees and helps protect critical habitat for bears and associated wildlife species. Vital Ground works cooperatively with landowners, local communities, and state and federal agencies to address the issue of habitat fragmentation by permanently protecting crucial lands for the benefit of grizzlies and other wide-ranging wildlife.

Join Vital Ground for an evening of slides, a wine and cheese reception and tales of adventures, resilience and persistence by one of the world’s rarest animals. The event is free.

For more information visit http://www.vitalground.org/tracking-gobi-grizzlies-doug-chadwick/#.WH_NRn3U2dk

Fact and Fiction bookstore will host Doug Chadwick on Friday, Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. for an additional book signing and presentation.