VENT's 45th Anniversary Celebration

About our Evening Presentations

Sunday, November 14
Event Welcome and Overview
Opening Remarks by Victor Emanuel (Founder and CEO, Victor Emanuel Nature Tours)
and Barry Lyon (COO)

Our 45th Anniversary Celebration kicks off with a personal welcome and opening remarks from Victor Emanuel. Victor and Barry Lyon will introduce the VENT staff in attendance, then follow with a program overview and discussion of the field trips that will operate in the coming days.

Monday, November 15
“Colombia, Then and Now: 50 Years through the Eyes of an Ornithologist”
Presented by Steve Hilty (VENT tour leader, ornithologist, author)

This presentation offers a view of Colombia and its remarkable biodiversity through the eyes of a young ornithologist and his wife as they struggle to carry out fieldwork in the early 1970s. This is followed by a look at Colombia’s unusual ornithological history, its fledgling ecotourism of the late 1970s and early 1980s, and the civil unrest at the end of the past century. It concludes with the rebirth of ecotourism and birding in Colombia almost two decades ago, this time dominated by a generation of talented young biologists, and a country determined to welcome the world to its marvelous birds and wildlife.

Tuesday, November 16
Greg Lasley and Bob Sundstrom Remembered
Memorials by Victor Emanuel and Barry Lyon

On top of the many challenges VENT has faced in the pandemic era, our community was dealt two additional blows this year with the passing of our friends and colleagues Greg Lasley and Bob Sundstrom. In this short tribute to our fallen comrades, Victor Emanuel and Barry Lyon will offer remembrances of these fine men, recognizing their importance to the growth of VENT as outstanding tour leaders and as men of impeccable character. Greg led tours for VENT for more than 20 years, from the early 1980s to the early 2000s, while Bob anchored important areas for almost 30 years, from the late 1980s up until two years ago.

Wednesday, November 17
“Whooping Cranes: Past, Present, Future”
Presented by George Archibald (Co-founder International Crane Foundation)

The Whooping Crane, America's tallest bird, former resident of the tall grass prairie, was reduced to less than two dozen individuals 80 years ago but is now recovering, a true symbol of survival. For 53 years, Dr. George Archibald has been involved in the recovery and reintroduction of this iconic species. He will share its dramatic stories: the touching tale of Tex and Gee Whiz, continent-wide population and migration dynamics of the Texas/Wood Buffalo population, steadfast reintroduction research to establish an additional North American population, and his intimate and heart-stirring observations of a trio of young Whooping Cranes who have set up housekeeping near his home in a small farm wetland.

Thursday, November 18
“The History of VENT”
Presented by Victor Emanuel (Founder and CEO Victor Emanuel Nature Tours)

When Victor Emanuel launched VENT in 1976, he was more than a fledgling businessman trying to make a go of a new company. He was the leader at the forefront of a brand-new industry. On the final night of the Celebration, Victor will discuss the creation of VENT and its founding principles. He will describe the evolution of the company as it offered more tours, added more tour leaders, and increased the variety of tours offered, including cruises. He will also talk about what makes VENT different from other companies. Finally, he will share memories of favorite tours he has led and the wonderful friends he has made throughout his career.
Evening Presentations
  • Event Welcome and Overview Opening Remarks by Victor Emanuel (Founder and CEO, Victor Emanuel Nature Tours) and Barry Lyon (COO)
    Our 45th Anniversary Celebration kicks off with a personal welcome and opening remarks from Victor Emanuel. Victor and Barry Lyon wil... View more
  • Colombia, Then and Now: 50 Years through the Eyes of an Ornithologist by Steve Hilty
    This presentation offers a view of Colombia and its remarkable biodiversity through the eyes of a young ornithologist and his wife as... View more
  • Greg Lasley and Bob Sundstrom Remembered Memorials by Victor Emanuel and Barry Lyon
    On top of the many challenges VENT has faced in the pandemic era, our community was dealt two additional blows this year with the pas... View more
  • Whooping Cranes: Past, Present, Future by George Archibald (Co-founder International Crane Foundation)
    The Whooping Crane, America's tallest bird, former resident of the tall grass prairie, was reduced to less than two dozen individuals... View more
  • The History of VENT by Victor Emanuel (Founder and CEO Victor Emanuel Nature Tours)
    When Victor Emanuel launched VENT in 1976, he was more than a fledgling businessman trying to make a go of a new company. He was the ... View more

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