From land to loch, Biology professor shares unique habitats of Scotland

Posted on Friday, February 14, 2025

Over its history, Scotland has gained popularity for such icons as woolly Highland cattle and the mysterious “Nessie” of Loch Ness. But as Associate Biology Professor Dr. Mark Yates will show in his 3D Journeys lecture Feb. 24, the country is a hub for all kinds of wildlife, including Scottish wildcats, red squirrels and basking sharks.

“The ecology of Scotland is quite diverse,” he said. “The mosaic of landscapes; from coastal to mountains in relatively small areas provides a wide range of habitats for both plant and animal species.”

This will be the second presentation in this year’s 3D Journeys series. It will begin at 10 a.m. in Turner Hall.

During his lecture, “Moor than just Lochs: A brief ecological tour of Scotland,” Dr. Yates will also discuss how climate and geology impact the habitats found in a portion of the country.

The Caledonian Forest, a residence for many native creatures that used to spread across a large stretch of Scotland, now only covers one percent due to human activity, according to the BBC.

Ann Beason, co-chair of the 3D Committee, said the group is excited about Dr. Yates’ return to the series.

“3D Journeys is pleased to welcome back Dr. Yates, who in previous years has introduced Brazil and the Birmingham Botanic Garden to our audience,” she said. Students have described him as ‘awesome.’ We agree and look forward to our ‘brief ecological tour of Scotland’ on Feb. 24.”

Known by friends and colleagues as “Bat Man,” Dr. Yates, who has taught at LC for 13 years, enjoys sharing his passion for the outdoors with his students.

“I have always loved being out in nature and exploring the different areas where I live,” he said. “Hiking through a forest, listening to the noises and taking in how groups of plants and animals form communities are both relaxing and exhilarating. This becomes even more true as one begins to understand the relationships between the different groups of organisms making up these communities.”

Dr. Yates holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Furman University, a Master of Science in Forestry from Clemson University and a Ph.D. in Forestry from the University of Missouri. He has taught at the collegiate level for 18 years.

At LC, he made his Price Theater debut last fall as Uncle Henry in “The Wizard of Oz.”

What he hopes the audience gets from his lecture is an appreciation for the diversity found in other areas of the planet.

“By seeing how people in other parts of the world may look at our forests and mountains as exotic and interesting, I hope that provides an incentive for audience members to learn more about the special areas we have close to home.”

 

Campus Notes

• Registration is open for “Landscapes of Scotland: Oban, the Highlands & Edinburgh,” a 3D Journeys excursion in Scotland. Hosted by President Susanna Baxter and First Gentleman Mark Huffman, the trip will be May 27-June 7, 2025. For more information on details and rates, email 3DJourneys@lagrange.edu.
• Tickets for LaGrange College Alumni Day at Truist Park on June 14 to see the Atlanta Braves take on the Colorado Rockies are still available, but time is running out. Sales close on March 11, but availability is limited and could sell out prior. Anyone wishing to secure their ticket can do so online or by contacting Bailey Eden ’24, Alumni and Development Coordinator, at beden@lagrange.edu or 706-880-8244 for more information. First pitch is at 4 p.m. Tickets include early access into Truist Park, access to LC’s private event in a covered area, a $20 food/beverage voucher and access to a private lounge.

 

Collegiate Enrichment

Mastering Team Dynamics and Effective Communication

Monday, Feb. 17

7 p.m., Bailey Room

• Participants will engage in interactive activities to learn how to help achieve their goals while fostering positive and productive relationships.

Black History Month Family Feud

Tuesday, Feb. 18

7:45 p.m., Dickson Assembly Room

• The Black Male Initiative will host a Family Feud competition as part of Black History Month.

Defining You: Mastering the Art of Boundaries

Wednesday, Feb. 19

11:30 a.m., Bailey Room

• The group workshop will provide psychoeducation on different types of boundaries, effective language for setting them and how to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy boundaries.

Courageous Conversations

Wednesday, Feb. 18

7 p.m., Bailey Room

• Join Black Student Union for a session hosted by Clinical Mental Health Counseling Assistant Professor Dr. Justin Muller that tackles conversations that are often controversial and cause deep-level thinking.

“From Heads to Tales: How We Figure Into Art” and “The Art of Play: A Student Exhibition”

Thursday, Feb. 20

11 a.m., Lamar Dodd Art Center

• There will be opening receptions for two art exhibits at Lamar Dodd Art Center.

 

Sports

Women’s Basketball

The Panthers dropped their road games against Asbury and Maryville last week. On Tuesday, the team notched a 73-67 win over Agnes Scott on Tuesday, Feb. 11, as seniors Britney Chavez and Zyhia Johnson posted career (Chavez) and season-high (Johnson) totals in the winning effort. The Panthers will host Piedmont on Saturday, Feb. 15, for their Senior Day game, honoring Chavez, Johnson, Kendra Roberts and Amya Walker before the game.

Men’s Basketball

After two road losses against Asbury and Maryville last week, LC returns to the court on Saturday, Feb. 15, hosting Piedmont for its Senior Day game in Mariotti Gym at 4 p.m. Tayshawn Pendleton, Parker Lovett and coach Jay Muvumba will be honored prior to the start of the contest.

Baseball

The Panthers opened their season with three losses against Rhodes, Centenary and McMurry at a tournament in Shreveport, Louisiana. The team will host the LaGrange College Classic Feb. 14-16, inviting Adrian College, Berry College and Pfeiffer University into the fold as they look to pick up their first win of the 2025 campaign. Game one is set for 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 14, at Cleaveland Field in Williamson Stadium.

Softball

LC returns home on Friday, Feb. 14 (today), after a tough doubleheader result on the road at Berry College last Saturday. The team will take on Sewanee, likewise in doubleheader fashion at 2 p.m. on Friday at the LC Softball Complex.

Lacrosse

The Panthers are scheduled to open their regular season on Sunday, Feb. 16, weather permitting, against SCAD-Savannah. After holding on to a win last week against the LC alumni team, they will look to topple a struggling SCAD-Savannah squad on Sunday. Stay tuned for weather updates regarding the game and a potentially altered start time or postponement.

Beach Volleyball

LC fell to the University of Mobile and Truett McConnell on the road last week. The team will host Truett McConnell on Saturday, Feb. 15, for a doubleheader match. Start times are set for noon and 3 p.m. The Panthers picked up their first team win in program history this past weekend as they routed Georgia Highlands College 5-0 at the TMU Invitational in Cleveland, Georgia.

Men’s and Women’s Tennis

The Panthers will see their first action of the spring this weekend, taking on Brevard at home. The Men and Women will both start at noon at the Greer Tennis Courts.

 

Panther Calendar

(Please note that schedules may change due to circumstances beyond our control. Please check www.lagrangepanthers.com to confirm.)

Friday, Feb. 14 – Baseball vs. Pfeiffer (Home), 2 p.m., Cleaveland Field

Friday, Feb. 14 – Softball (Home) vs. Sewanee, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., Softball Complex

Saturday, Feb. 15 – Beach Volleyball (Home) vs. Truett McConnell, noon and 3 p.m., Strack Beach Volleyball Courts

Saturday, Feb. 15 – Men’s Tennis (Home) vs. Brevard, noon, Greer Tennis Courts

Saturday, Feb. 15 – Women’s Tennis (Home) vs. Brevard, noon, Greer Tennis Courts

Saturday, Feb. 15 – Baseball (Home) vs. Adrian, 2 p.m., Cleaveland Field

Saturday, Feb. 15 – Women’s Basketball (Home) vs. Piedmont, 2 p.m., Mariotti Gym

Saturday, Feb. 15 – Men’s Basketball (Home) vs. Piedmont, 4 p.m., Mariotti Gym

Sunday, Feb. 16 – Lacrosse (Home) vs. SCAD-Savannah, 1 p.m., Callaway Stadium

Sunday, Feb. 16 – Baseball (Home) vs. Berry, 2:30 p.m., Cleaveland Field

Tuesday, Feb. 18 – Women’s Basketball at Wesleyan, 5:30 p.m., Macon, Georgia

Thursday, Feb. 20 – Women’s Basketball at Agnes Scott, 6 p.m., Decatur, Georgia

Category: Community, Events, College

Keywords: Education, Travel