Lake Baikal in the Republic of Buryatia in Russia is the oldest (25 million years) and deepest (1,700 m) lake in the world.  A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is known as the “Galapagos of Russia”, because its age and isolation have produced one of the world's richest and most unusual freshwater faunas, which is of exceptional value to evolutionary science.

On Wednesday, May 26 at 12:00 noon, the public will have an opportunity to learn more about this region when Oregon State University – Cascades Campus will host a free lecture with representatives from Russia who have been instrumental in the formation of the Great Baikal Trail Association.

The Great Baikal Trail Association is an international, volunteer-driven, non-profit organization working to develop, maintain, promote, and protect the first national system of trails in all of Russia, and in that way advocate for the sustainable development of Lake Baikal.

The presentation will cover the development of eco-tourism in the Lake Baikal region, protection of the local environment, and the growing global community interested in protecting Lake Baikal.

The presentation will take place on Cascades Hall on College Way in Room 107.  For additional information contact Jeff Myers at jeffrey.myers@osucascades.edu or 541-322-3116.