Whitebark Institute was grateful to welcome Santiago Escruceria, a seasoned environmental educator, birder, and the Mono Lake Committee’s Outdoor Education Center Manager. A Colombian-born American and graduate of Sonoma State University, Santiago has spent over three decades teaching environmental education in both Spanish and English—26 of those years immersed in the natural wonders of the Mono Basin. In this Science on Tap talk, Santiago will explore the vibrant birdlife of the riparian and meadow habitats around Mono Lake: home to species like the Wilson’s Phalaropes, and the California Gull. With his deep knowledge and passion for avian ecology, Santiago will dive into how climate change and increasing wildfire activity are impacting local bird populations and their habitats. Filmed during Science on Tap event on August 19, 2025 at Mono Lake Committee Information Center, Lee Vining, CA.
