Whales of the Oregon Coast – Present, Past, and Really Past – SWOCC release – Coos Bay, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College is excited to announce the return of the popular Geology Lecture Series. Join us for a presentation by paleontologist Win McLaughlin, Southwestern’s Assistant Professor of Geology, for “Whales of the Oregon Coast – Present, Past, and Really Past” on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at 6:30 pm. Coos County residents can join us in-person in the Umpqua Hall lecture room 184 on the Coos Campus, 1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay. Curry County residents can join us for a watch party in the Community Room on the Curry Campus, 96082 Lone Ranch Parkway, Brookings. With whale watching being a major tourist attraction on the Oregon coast, it’s easy to think of these iconic animals as a key feature for our region. But this association goes much deeper. The Oregon coast is one of the most important places on earth for the study of fossil whales. How and when did whales become the mostly peaceful giants we see today? Join paleontologist Win McLaughlin as she takes you on a tour through deep time on the Oregon coast to investigate everything from miniature fossil dolphins to the oldest baleen whale to some truly fearsome predators of the past! For those unable to attend in-person, the talk will be streamed live through Southwestern’s YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB0F5A6CF733BC1F5. For more information about the lecture series contact Dr. Win McLaughlin, Assistant Professor of Geology, at 541-888-7002, win.mclaughlin@socc.edu.
