FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

11-10-09 1210PM

The public is invited to a discussion of The Historical Ecology of Eastern Contra Costa County: Preliminary Findings conducted by Ruth Askevold, cartographic specialist of the San Francisco Estuary Institute. The event takes place Monday, Nov. 16 from noon to 1 p.m. at the John Muir National Historic Site, 4202 Alhambra Ave. in Martinez.

The San Francisco Estuary Institute is conducting a historical ecology assessment of natural resources in eastern Contra Costa County. The study is collecting and synthesizing data sources to develop an understanding of terrestrial, fluvial, riparian and wetland habitats prior to significant Euro-American modification. The information gathered will help inform the East Contra Costa County’s Habitat Conservation Plan process. Contra Costa County and the Contra Costa Watershed Forum are project partners.

Ruth Askevold is a GIS analyst at the San Francisco Estuary Institute, where she works with the Historical Ecology Program. She has over 15 years experience with geographic information systems, project management, information design, and cartography. She received her master’s degree from San Francisco State University in geography and human environmental studies and is a member of the American Association of Geographers and the North American Cartographic Information Society.

###