Oil Spills' Effects on Wildlife and Humans

David Weeshoff, a La Crescenta resident and board chair of International Bird Rescue, will present "Oil Spills: Causes and Consequences for Birds, Wildlife and Humans" at the monthly meeting of the Pasadena Group of the Sierra Club. 

Weeshoff's presentation will focus on causes and consequences of oil spills effecting marine and land environments, with emphasis on impacts on birds and other wildlife. and methods of oil spill cleanup. Citing examples including the massive Exxon Valdez oil tanker spill in Alaska and last year's pipeline spill into the Yellowstone River, he will provide insights into long-term consequences of these spills on habitats and biodiversity.

After retiring from a 35-year career at IBM, Weeshoff became a volunteer and docent at San Pedro's Oiled Bird Care and Education Center, managed by International Bird Rescue, where he assists staff in the care of sick, injured, orphaned, and oiled birds. He is also an active volunteer with the Algalita Marine Foundation, also located in San Pedro, which is doing pioneer work on the causes and consequences of plastic pollution in the world's oceans.

Weeshoff is a frequent speaker on the topic of bird rehabilitation for Heal the Bay, local groups of the Audubon Society, and other conservation organizations throughout California. He is currently President of the San Fernando Valley Audubon Society, and is a Life Member of the Sierra Club.