Chris Pistole, education director at the Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center in Joplin, will travel back to 1843 in his portrayal as the "American Woodsman," John James Audubon during his travels along the Missouri River. The event will take place at a meeting of Sperry-Galligar Audubon on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2014, at 7 p.m. in Room 102 of Pittsburg State University's Yates Hall, 1702 S. Joplin St., Pittsburg, KS.

With 25 years of experience working as a professional naturalist and interpreter, Pistole as Audubon, tells about his rambles in the field while seeking mammal specimens to paint for his latest book, The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America. He will bring museum mounts and skulls of some of his subjects, like the woodchuck, badger and bison for a hands-on exhibit. He also will discuss some of the Midwestern birds he knew that are now extinct, like the Passenger Pigeon and Carolina Parakeet.

Asks Robert Mangile, spokesperson for Sperry-Galligar: "Everyone associates the name Audubon with birds, but did you know John James Audubon also painted amazing pictures of mammals? Some critics say they are his best works of art!"

The public is welcome to this kid-friendly program.

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