Speaker Dennis Campbell's Topics

Hunting Pleistocene Mammals in Our Backyard: The Search for the Remains of Prehistoric Mammals in Central Illinois

In the past five years a remarkable amount of Ice-Age fossils has been discovered in the creeks around Lincoln. Geology and biology students at Lincoln College have been involved with some spectacular finds—including the discovery of a woolly mammoth (presently considered one of the largest and last woolly mammoths on the continent), an event which received broad media coverage. Since that discovery on Lincoln College property, local residents of the Lincoln area have revealed to the College and to scientists at the Illinois State Museum many new records of additional Pleistocene mammals species that lived in this area thousands of years ago. This presentation will detail the discovery of Judd the Lincoln College Woolly Mammoth by Judd the Lincoln College Student and show photos of the “trophies” obtained on other “big game safaris.”

Bats: The Facts and Myths About Our Famous (Infamous) Flying Mammals

Everyone has a bat story, even if just one from a spooky movie or television show. Join Dennis Campbell in hearing the facts and myths about these interesting and valuable animals. Dr. Campbell has worked with bats in countries throughout the world, even the vampires of southern Mexico, and has developed respect for the “flying (fact) mice (a myth).” He will provide an illustrative introduction to the bat species found in Central Illinois and information about their biology, ecology, and economic importance.

The Natural History of Australia

Australia is the dream vacation for a biologist. For seven years Dennis Campbell lived and worked as a biologist on that faraway continent and has much to show and tell about the “Southern Ark.” The audience will learn about the magnificent modern city of Sydney, the glorious Barrier Reef, the intriguing Outback, and every geographical, geological, and biological feature in between. The peoples of Australia, from Aborigines to the urban colonists, have unique cultural stories, so the audience will be introduced to some of these personalities as well.

Water Gardening: The Trials and Tribulations of Maintaining Outdoor Water Features at Your Home or Business

Water gardening has become a popular hobby in Central Illinois. The combination of plants, animals and geological materials makes for a fine canvas for both scientific and artistic creativity in the back or front yard. The presentation will include pond location and construction, filtration, water quality, and plant and fish care. Dennis Campbell’s interest in water gardening grew from a small pre-fab pool in the corner of a backyard to a conversion of an in-ground pool into a backyard pond to being a founder in a new water gardening club, the Land of Lincoln Water Gardening Society.

<< Speakers' Bureau

Updated 1/13/10

• home • about lc • admissions • academics • faculty/staff • athletics •
• fine arts • student services • life after lc • alumni & friends • site map •