SF Dinner: "Madagascar: the Unique Red Island"

Thursday, November 17, social hour 6 pm, dinner 7, show 8 - City Forest Lodge, 254 Laguna Honda Boulevard, San Francisco (across from Laguna Honda Hospital and downhill from Forest Hill Station; take Muni's K, L, M, or 43). Come early for street parking (no sidewalk parking please).

Join Luke Cole for an exploration of Madagascar's unique flora and fauna in his quest to see the elusive red owl, a journey that highlights the many challenges Madagascar faces in preserving its amazing natural heritage. Using his search for one of the world's rarest owls as a metaphor, Cole examines the impacts of development, colonialism, political strife, ecotourism, and conservation on Madagascar. The cast of characters Cole encounters in his journey illustrates the promise and difficulties of preserving the Red Island's remaining rain- and dry forests and their abundant wildlife. Cole uses images from his month in Madagascar and experiences from his nearly four years living in Africa to tell a tale that is by turns humorous and tragic, but ultimately hopeful.

Luke Cole is an environmental and civil-rights attorney and the director of the Center on Race, Poverty, and the Environment in San Francisco. He represents low-income communities fighting environmental hazards throughout the United States. He is also past chair of the California Bird Records Committee and a Northern California regional editor of North American Birds magazine.

Reservations are required (no attendance for program only). Mail check for $13.50 made out to "Sierra Club, S.F. Bay Chapter" to Barb Bourns at:

274A Connecticut St.
San Francisco, CA 94107.

Checks must be received by Mon., Nov. 14. Bring your own wine or soft drinks. Glasses and ice available. Let us know if you are a vegetarian. Questions? Call Barb before 9 pm at (415)431-6054.