Our Wild Watershed : "River Otters with Mary Ellen King"

The River Otter Ecology story is about the unexpected return of this charismatic predator, whose presence is a hopeful sign of relatively healthy watersheds and ecosystems. River otters, once thought to be in decline, are making a comeback, indicating that our natural spaces are recovering. This resurgence also underscores the importance of monitoring and understanding wildlife populations, as paying attention to what’s going on in our own public spaces can drive changes in management and planning, ultimately improving conservation efforts and outcomes.

Our presentation delves into this captivating natural history, illustrating how the otter’s return is not just about the species itself, but also about a broader story of environmental resilience. Through beautiful photos and thrilling critter cam videos, we’ll showcase the otters’ playful behaviors, their role in the ecosystem, and the ongoing conservation work that supports their recovery.

Presentor Bio : Mary Ellen King worked in marketing communications and media in both the private and nonprofit sectors. She graduated from the School of Film, Video and Television at UCLA and worked on a wide range of educational, documentary, and independent film productions. She later did graduate studies in the School of Natural Resources – Wildlife Management at Humboldt State University. Ms. King has served on a number of boards including several Audubon chapters, Audubon Canyon Ranch and the River Otter Ecology Project. Critters, especially otters, are a passion.

Host or Publisher Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation