RECORD STAFF

District wildlife biologist Ruth Milner will present methods for living with wildlife harmoniously at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 14.

Most Whidbey Island residents appreciate the diversity and abundance of wildlife and native plants in this region.

Many local residents not only enjoy the wonders of nature, but also strive to conserve and protect the various habitats on Whidbey.

However, there comes a time when the wild and domestic worlds collide, such as when the raccoon knocks over a garbage can, when the black-tailed deer eats a favorite rose, when the barn swallow nests over the front door or when Canada geese slime yards and parks.

There are ways to share the environment with wildlife and Milner will suggest methods to live in harmony.

Milner is a district wildlife biologist with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

She covers San Juan, Island and Snohomish counties.

She earned both her B.S. and M.S. degrees in wildlife science from the University of Washington.

She works on a variety of species within her district, such as bald eagles, black oystercatchers, mountain goats, black-tailed deer and amphibians.

She began studying shorebirds in the Skagit and Stillaguamish estuaries in 2007.

She was involved in the Save the Trillium Forest project and is a member of the Ecostudies Institute.

Whidbey Audubon Society is hosting Milner’s presentation at its monthly program meeting place at Unitarian Meeting House at 20103 Highway 525, just north of Freeland.

The program is free and the public is welcome.

Refreshments are served starting at 7 p.m.