The 2003 Conference of the Western Society of Malacologists will take place at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. The Museum is situated in Exposition Park adjacent to the University of Southern California. This is a vibrant locale in central Los Angeles, an area that is currently undergoing a dramatic urban renewal program. The city of Los Angeles is the "Entertainment Capital of the World" and one of the most attractive destinations in the US. With mild, sunny weather in June and numerous tourist attractions, art museums, sporting events, natural areas and other activities, Los Angeles is an ideal location for the WSM annual conference and a short early summer escapade, for those who would like to combine work and fun. The organization encourages established scientists, students, and amateurs interested in malacology to attend the WSM conference and at the same time enjoy the hospitality and culture of the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area before or after the event.
The three anticipated symposia are:
Paleontology, organized by Lindsey Groves (Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County)
Phylogenetic systematics, organized by Doug Eernisse (California State University Fullerton)
Ecology, organized by Jeff Goddard (University of California Santa Barbara)
A special session on biology and systematics of opisthobranch mollusks is also anticipated.
Evening events will include:
Reception: Located in the historic Rotunda of Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, with welcome from the President and Director Jane Pisano.
Auction/Reprint Sale: Location to be determined, donations of books and other malacological items are needed and greatly appreciated. Please, take advantage of this oportunity to support your society and the WSM student grants. Donations of shells must be accompanied by a written statement indicating that they have been legally collected/purchased.
Shell Exhibition and dinner: Location to be determined, hosted by the Conchological Club of Southern California and the Pacific Shell Club.
Banquet: At the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, with an invited presentation by John Heyning, Deputy Director and Curator of Mammalogy at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Tickets $50.00 (not included in the registration fee).
Field trips will include:
Paleontological trip to the Topanga Formation.- Details later.
Landsnail-hunting trip.- Details later.
Tide pooling and visit to the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium.- Even though the tide that morning (10:30AM) is moderately low, it will provide a general view of the common organims found in a rocky intertidal area in Southern California. After the tide, the group will visit the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, which is an educational, recreational, and research facility devoted to encouraging active public participation and to promote knowledge and conservation of the marine life of Southern California.