LAKE COUNTY — Clear Lake is not only the largest natural lake in California it is also the oldest with many experts placing its age at three or four million years. With its abundant bird and other wildlife, it is also considered to be one of the richest lakes in the United States. What many people don”t realize is there are thousands of microscopic creatures swimming in the lake. Zoo and phytoplankton abound and are an important part of the food chain.
On July 15 starting at 6:30 p.m. in the Board of Supervisors Chambers in the Lake County Courthouse at 255 N. Forbes Ave. in Lakeport the public will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn about the secrets of Clear Lake in a presentation sponsored by the Lake County Fish and Wildlife Advisory Committee. Biologists and ecologists from the Lake County Vector Control District will take the public on a living tour of the little creatures that swim in Clear Lake and make up the building blocks of the Clear Lake food chain.
Live microscopic plankton will be projected on screen for all to see. The scientists will explain the entire ecology of the lake from lowest form of life to the fish and birds that inhabit the lake.
The principal speakers will scientists Norm Anderson and Bonnie Ryan. Anderson has spent more than 30 years studying Clear Lake and Ryan is currently one of the lead biologists at Vector Control. In addition to covering all aspects of the lake the scientists will discuss the types of mosquitoes and gnats that live in the county. West Nile Virus will be discussed as well as Lyme disease and how to prevent it.
Also in attendance will be Harry Lyons and Robert Lane. Lyons is an expert in algae and will available to answer questions on the types of algae in the lake. Lane is a world renown scientist from University of California and is recognized for his research on ticks and Lyme Disease.
The workshop is open to the public and is free. According to Jamesina Scott, Director of lake County Vector Control, questions will be welcomed from the public. For more information contact Vector Control at 263-4770.
