Dale L. Travis Lecture Series
Connecting Community to Science and Research at ESF
The Dale L. Travis Lecture Series was created to help the greater community learn about the incredible work and research happening at ESF. Featuring the College’s world-class faculty and renowned field experts, the lectures — which are free and open to the public — demonstrate how they push the boundaries of knowledge and research in their academic specialties.
Register for Our Next Lecture
Giants of Change: The Past, Present, and Future of Galápagos Tortoises
Dr. James Gibbes, Distinguished Professor, SUNY ESF
7 p.m. | Thursday, Sept. 25
Gateway Center | SUNY ESF
Giants of Change: The Past, Present, and Future of Galápagos Tortoises
A story of near extinction and resilience
Once found across every continent except Antarctica, giant tortoises have vanished from nearly all their former habitats following human arrival — surviving today only on Aldabra Atoll and in the Galápagos Islands. This talk explores discoveries in Galápagos tortoise evolution, taxonomy, and conservation, including the identification of new species, rediscovery of presumed-extinct lineages, and innovative efforts to restore ecosystems through rewilding. This is a story of extinction, resilience, and innovation — both with the tortoises themselves and those seeking to save them from extinction — told through the lens of a conservation scientist who has worked with them for 35 years.
Dr. James Gibbs
Distinguished Professor,
Environmental Conservation
SUNY ESF
James Gibbs is a Distinguished Professor at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse, where he teaches and conducts research on biodiversity conservation. He also serves as Vice President of Galápagos Conservancy and helps lead the Iniciativa Galápagos, the Conservancy’s flagship program in conjunction with the Galapagos National Park for wildlife restoration across the archipelago.
Over the years, Gibbs has played a critical role in studying the ecology, behavior, and conservation strategies of these iconic reptiles, whose populations have been severely impacted by human activity and invasive species.
Gibbs’ fieldwork in the Galápagos Islands has contributed to understanding the biology and genetics of tortoise populations, especially in relation to breeding programs aimed at preventing extinction. His research also delves into the effects of habitat destruction and the role of tortoises in maintaining the islands’ ecosystems. His work on tortoise conservation has helped guide efforts by both local authorities and international organizations to safeguard the future of these remarkable species.
A leading expert in the field, Gibbs’ contributions to Galápagos tortoise conservation continue to influence the global approach to wildlife protection and the study of island ecology.
The Dale L. Travis Lecture Series is made possible thanks to a gift from Dale L. Travis ’59.
About Dale L. Travis
Ten years after graduating from ESF (Wood Products Engineering ’59), Dale Travis was
transferred to New York City by U.S. Plywood. Shortly thereafter, Dale founded his
own business, Dale Travis Associates (DTA) to produce fine architectural signage.
DTA works with some of the most prominent architects and graphic designers in the
world. Its exterior and interior signs distinguish corporate buildings and museums
across the country. Recent museum projects include the Metropolitan Museum of Art,
the American Museum of Natural History, the Rose Center (Hayden Planetarium), and
the Morgan Library & Museum. DTA were privileged to carve the cornerstones for 1 World
Trade Center and 4 World Trade Center. DTA are a member of the Society of Environmental
Graphic Designers.
2024
Jonathan Cohen: Flight to Recovery: Protecting the Piping Plover — The inspiring story of remarkable efforts to save a tiny bird.
2023
Aidan Ackerman: The forest isn't real — Through virtual reality, we can explore landscapes — from tree-dense forests to urban treescapes — that show the effects of time and climate change.
2022
Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer: Returning the Gift — The role of a nature writer on the edge of climate catastrophe.
2018
Dr. Timothy Volk: Shrub Willow: RX for a healthier planet
Dr. John Farrell: Big Fish in the Balance: Research and Conservation in a Changing Environment
2017
Dr. Jacqueline Frair: Top Dog? The Ecological Role of the Coyote in Northeastern Forests
2016
Dr. James Gibbs: Restoring the Giant Tortoise Dynasties of Galapagos
Dr. Neil H. Ringler: Renewal of a Jewel — Onondaga Lake: Effective Collaboration Among Students, Scientists,
Agencies and Private Enterprise
Karin Limburg, John Waldman, James Prosek, David Doubilet and Jennifer Hayes: The Future of Fisheries: Choices, Decisions, and the Role of the Arts
2015
George Curry, Distinguished Teaching Professor Emeritus: FDR, ESF, NPS at the Roosevelt Estate
2014
Dr. Robin W. Kimmerer: The Honorable Harvest: Indigenous Knowledge and Conservation
Dr. Donald Stewart: Seeking and Saving the Diversity of Arapaima: Giant Air-Breathing Fishes of the
Amazon
2013
Dr. William A. Powell: Return of the King: Restoring the American Chestnut Tree
Dr. James P. Gibbs: On the Brink — Saving Russia’s Last Snow Leopards