Mike Porter wants to help people understand snakes.

As a wildlife and fisheries specialist at The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Porter has a great deal of exposure to and experience with local snakes. Porter will discuss Oklahoma's native snakes, their identification and ecology, as the final presentation in The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation's 2006-2007 Public Lectures in Science season.

"Many people fear snakes. This fear generally stems from a lack of understanding about these creatures," said Porter, who has 41 years of field experience with snakes. "Hopefully, I can help improve understanding of snakes and reduce some of the unnecessary fear and mistreatment of these creatures."

Porter's presentation will take place at 7 p.m., Thursday, April 19, at the Kruse Auditorium on the Noble Foundation's campus in Ardmore. The presentation is free and open to the public, and a reception will follow the event.

During Porter's presentation, he will discuss southern Oklahoma's local variety of snakes, detail methods of identification and provide information about the snake's role in nature.

"Mike's presentations are always entertaining and informative," said Marilyn Roossinck, Ph.D., who serves as the organizer of the Public Lectures in Science season. "He'll show people a side of snakes they've never seen before, and I know they will leave with a greater appreciation for these creatures."

The 2006-2007 Public Lectures in Science season kicked off last fall with Roossinck's presentation on bird viruses and was followed this spring with Maria Marta Chavarria, Director of Research at the Guanacaste Conservation Area in Costa Rica, whose work impacted an entire village.

"It has been another successful lecture series," Roossinck said. "Each speaker has touched on an important scientific issue. Whether it has been debunking myths about bird viruses, showing how science can directly impact the community, or the upcoming lecture about snakes, this series offers participants a chance to gain quality information and have a little fun in the process."

For additional information on the Noble Foundation's Public Lectures in Science series, contact the Noble Foundation at 580.223.5810.

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News Release Issued: April 8, 2007

The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc. (www.noble.org), headquartered in Ardmore, Okla., is a nonprofit organization conducting agricultural, forage improvement and plant biology research; assisting farmers and ranchers through educational and consultative agricultural programs; and providing grants to nonprofit charitable, educational and health organizations.