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Turtle Talk! Oregon's Western Pond Turtles

Science Pub Portland

Coming Soon!

Dec 3, 7-9PM | Doors @ 6PM

With Chelsea Waddell, Wildlife Biologist with the US Fish and Wildlife Service

Advance tickets recommended; $5 suggested donation

Science Pubs are a casual lecture series located in fun venues across the region. Grab a drink and get comfy as you learn about a turtle native to Oregon in Turtle Talk! Oregon’s Western Pond Turtles. Recommended for ages 10 and over.

About the lecture:

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service biologist Chelsea Waddell will introduce you to the Northwestern pond turtle, one of only two native turtles living in Oregon. This wide-ranging species is found in Washington, Oregon, California, and Nevada but in recent years we have seen their populations decline. They face many stressors including loss of habitat, invasive predators, and climate change. In the spirit of collaborative conservation, wildlife managers are working with conservation partners to ensure populations can recover and thrive. In this dynamic talk about pond turtles, you’ll learn about their unique biology, ecological needs, stressors, and what scientists and you can do to help these incredible critters!

Chelsea Waddell is a Biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Portland, Oregon. Chelsea holds a B.A. in Biology from Shepherd University in West Virginia and an M.S. in Environmental Science from the Evergreen State College in Washington. She has worked on conservation of threatened and endangered species in the Pacific Northwest for more than 10 years. Chelsea has a background in wildlife biology and infectious disease and is the Service’ lead biologist for the Northwestern pond turtle in Oregon. She enjoys camping and hiking with her family and friends, spending time in her garden, and observing local plants and animals.

Zoom Option
If you are unable to join us in person, you can watch on zoom. You must register in advance using this link. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Click here to sign up for the Science Pub Newsletter.
Questions? Email sciencepub@omsi.edu
Ticketing questions call 503.797.4000 x0

Frequently Asked Questions

Zoom Information

If you are unable to join us in person, you can watch on zoom. You must register in advance via the ticketing page. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Are tickets required?

To guarantee a seat at this event, we recommend you purchase your ticket in advance. Please show your ticket at the check-in table in front of the theater upon arrival.

We will always have tickets available at the door. They are first-come, first-served and admission will remain a suggested donation.

Will food be available for purchase?

Yes, the Empirical Cafe will be open with prepackaged salads, sandwiches and movie snacks. The bar will be open to guests that are 21+. No outside food or drink is allowed.

Accessibility Information for the Empirical Theater

The Empirical Theater has an upper-level wheelchair accessible entrance and theater restrooms; due to the layout of the theater the lower-level main entrance is only accessible by stairs. Please check in with a Guest Services Representative or volunteer for assistance in locating these areas.

Several daytime documentaries and newer evening full-features offer closed captions, audio description, and volume amplification. The CaptiView closed caption units allow guests to see captions for their show by using a cup holder device that they can adjust within their view, and the Fidelio RX audio description units deliver descriptive narration and can also amplify the theater volume and dialogue.

The Showing Today signs updated daily at the front desk and theater entrance indicate which features offer closed captions (CC) and audio description (AD), while volume amplification is available for all theater content including events such as Science Pub and Reel Science.

Limited quantities of the following devices are available for theater guests and may be requested at either the Front Desk or Concierge Desk as well as from the theater usher:

  • CaptiView closed caption (CC) viewing devices
  • Fidelio RX audio description and volume amplification units
  • Williams Sound NKL-001 neck loops designed to work with hearing aids equipped with a telephone coil or T-Switch

The rough inside measurements of the seats not including arm and back rests:

  • Theater seats 16.5” wide and 21.5” deep
  • Two accessible seating area chairs 39.29″ high, 29.5″ wide, and 29″ deep
  • Additional accessible seating area chairs available by request is 23.5” wide and 21.5” deep
  • The weight capacity for the accessible seating area chairs are 500lbs, and the additional accessible seating area chairs support between 200lbs-250lbs

Earplugs can be requested from the Front Desk and Concierge Desk, and sensory resource packs that include:

  • Noise reducing headphones
  • Fidget toys
  • Sunglasses
  • Visual and auditory timer
  • 2 pound weighted shoulder wrap
  • Sanitizing wipes

Please contact OMSI Guest Services at (503) 797-4000 or Info@OMSI.edu with any additional specific questions or needs.

Do I have to pay for parking?

OMSI has switched to a new parking system via the mobile parking app, Parking Kitty, to create an easier and more streamlined experience for our visitors. OMSI parking will cost $5 + fees for 2 hours or $8 + fees for all day parking. Parking is $2 + fees for after-hours events, such as Science Pub.