Thank you to Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's Oregon Conservation and Recreation Fund and Ash Creek Water Control District for supporting this event! 

Dragonflies and Damselflies of the Watershed

Thank you to everyone who attended our Sips 'n' Science pub talk with Cary Kerst and Jim Johnson at Divine Distillers on November 5, 2025. The recorded presentation is now ready for viewing and sharing below!

Synopsis: Cary and Jim talk about the remarkable evolution of dragonflies and damselflies, local ecology, and cultural significance. You'll learn how to tell a damselfly from a dragonfly, enjoy a photographic tour of local species with tips on identification, discover hotspots for “dragonflying” in our region, and gain a deeper appreciation for their critical role in freshwater ecosystems. Whether you're a budding entomologist or just dragonfly-curious, this is your chance to connect with these beautiful ambassadors of clean water.

About the Speakers:

Cary Kerst is an aquatic entomologist retired from a career in environmental sciences.  He received a BS degree in entomology from Purdue University and an MS from Oregon State University.  Cary has conducted professional aquatic insect studies on local rivers and streams, and has authored scientific articles on aquatic insects.  He is co-author of Dragonflies and Damselflies of the Willamette Valley and Dragonflies and Damselflies of Oregon.  Cary has been doing educational events about dragonflies and other insects for the past 25 years. ​

Jim Johnson has been studying and photographing odonates (dragonflies and damselflies) avocationally since 1995—mostly in the Pacific Northwest where he makes his home in Vancouver, Washington. Following a career in Geographic Information Systems, he received a BS from Washington State University and has authored numerous scientific and popular articles on odonates. He has served on the Dragonfly Society of the Americas Executive Council as Regular Member, President, and Secretary, and has been a member of their editorial team since 2005.