Sunriver Nature Center hosts lecture on trumpeter swans

Published 2:30 pm Thursday, February 18, 2021

The Sunriver Nature Center is inviting Margaret Smith, executive director of the national Trumpeter Swan Society, for a virtual lecture at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24.

Smith will discuss the return of trumpeter swans to North America after the species faced near extinction at the turn of the 20th century due to over hunting.

The nature center is part of Oregon’s trumpeter swan breeding program. The center recently welcomed a new female swan to pair with a resident male, Pete, who was widowed last fall when his mate Gracie was killed.

Gracie was a beloved resident of the nature center and helped repopulate the threatened species in Oregon. About 35 trumpeter swans call Oregon home, but wildlife officials hope the number triples to allow the species to become self-sustaining.

During her virtual lecture, Smith will teach the audience about the different priorities for swan management and restoration across North America, and the role zoos and refuges have played in the swan’s recovery. Smith will also discuss the habitat and health issues swans face daily.

The lecture is free, but registration is required. People can register online at the nature center’s website to receive a link to the Zoom webinar.