When: November 16, 2026 @ 6:30 pm
Dr. Bill McLarney, a resident of the Cowee area since 1983, and senior scientist at Mainspring, will present an introduction to the outstanding diversity and beauty of our native freshwater fishes. Showcasing the uniqueness of our area in terms of biodiversity, and offers yet another argument for protecting and restoring our waterways, this presentation is perfect for everyone curious about this region, and even people who indulge in recreational observation of birds, wildflowers, mammals, etc.
The free event is part of the Cowee School Arts and Heritage Center’s Where We Live: History, Arts and Culture Program. It will be held at 51 Cowee School Drive in Franklin and should last about an hour.
A graduate of the University of Michigan School of Natural Resources, Bill has dedicated his life to the study of fresh water fishes, beginning in the Allegheny River watershed of his native southwestern New York, and subsequently in Lake Erie, Michigan, Alaska, New England and Central America. Since 1990 he has directed the Upper Little Tennessee River Watershed Stream Biomonitoring Program, currently administered by Mainspring. He also directs a similar program with Asociacion ANAI in Costa Rica and Panama. Both programs maximize involvement by local communities and volunteers.
