Mystery of Bomb Island

Why is a small once-active WWII bombing range the home base of over a million purple martins?  Come learn about the awe-inspiring migration of these songbirds and the unlikely transformation of a site once used for destruction into a wildlife haven.

On Nov. 5 at 10:00 am. in the Clubhouse II Auditorium, the Center for Lifelong Learning (CLL) sponsors a program presented by the Purple Martin and Bird Club and the Golf and Greens Committee about the largest known purple martin roost in North America. A film by Graham Ladd and Ethan Kaiser of MadLad films will be a highlight. The presenters, Cherly Bader and Alan Nelson, will also show film clips of Leisure World’s own purple martin nests.        

About the Instructors

Cheryl Bader is Chair of the Purple Martin and Bird Club at Leisure World. She is dedicated to fostering the community’s appreciation of birds and in leading efforts in songbird conservation. She is a member of several county, state, and national organizations dedicated to environmental and floral and fauna conservation.

Alan Nelson is on the Golf and Greens Committee of Leisure World and Leisure World Audubon International Certification Project Manager. He worked as Director of Emergency Preparedness at the Nuclear Energy Institute, has a degree in radiological and health sciences and has lectured at the Harvard School of Public Health-Radiological Emergency Planning: Terrorism, Security, and Communication.

Residents are asked to register for this CLL program beginning Tuesday, Oct 7 at 9 a.m. by calling or visiting the Lifestyle office of either clubhouse. A $5 fee will be collected at the door and can be paid by cash or check payable to the Center for Lifelong Learning.