Great Lakes Programs
for Public Presentation
Fascinated by the natural and human history of this area and captivated by its unique beauty and interrelatedness, Ann and John Mahan have prepared programs that they present for groups and organizations. Each program is approximately 45 minutes long (with images, music, narration, and Great Lakes sounds). The Mahans give a brief introduction, and welcome questions and discussion afterwards, so it works well for an hour (or longer) time slot. They provide their own equipment, but do require a very dark room. They also need two hours of set-up time ahead of the event.
Available presentations:
GREAT LAKES LIGHTHOUSE ODYSSEY — features numerous lighthouses and other Great Lakes subjects, accompanied by music, the Mahans' narration, and sounds recorded as they traveled. The program shares experiences finding the lighthouses, gives an overview of each lake’s characteristics, shows many islands, and discusses the significance and symbolism of the lighthouses. (45 min.) View a Brief Excerpt
LAKE SUPERIOR: STORY AND SPIRIT — explores the world’s largest freshwater sea and its watershed: rocky shores and cliffs, wetlands and rivers, forests, islands. A look at its natural and human history reveals the interconnectedness and interdependence of life in the natural world, including humans. Accompanied by music, Great Lakes sounds, and their narration, the Mahans share experiences traveling around (and over) Lake Superior, an ecosystem that is to many a sacred place. (45 min.)
ISLE ROYALE AND BEYOND — portrays the uniqueness and beauty of the wilderness of Isle Royale National Park. Through photography, Isle Royale sounds (calls of loons and wolves, thunderstorm, campfire, etc.), music, and the Mahans' narration, the show shares experiences while canoeing and backpacking on the island, and thoughts upon leaving the wilderness--of the human species’ role as a part of nature. (45 min.)
WILD LAKE MICHIGAN — a portrait of an inland sea still alive with wildness. Inseparable from this watery wilderness are its dunes, Northwoods, wetlands, and islands — and its geologic, human, and maritime history. With photographs accompanied by music, Great Lakes sounds, and their narration, the Mahans take the audience on a journey through Lake Michigan’s wild and natural areas. (45 min.)
For an international limnology symposium, the Mahans produced a 15-minute program showcasing the Great Lakes and fresh water. This program provides an introduction to the Great Lakes, the largest freshwater ecosystem in the world.
AMERICA'S FRESHWATER SEAS — an overview of the Great Lakes and what makes them special, including the significance and rarity of freshwater in this world. Covers all 5 Great Lakes. (15 min.)
John and Ann hope that their work will not only give others pleasure, but will also foster a sense of respect and appreciation for the history, uniqueness, and interrelatedness of the Great Lakes ecosystem. Interested individuals or groups may contact them for information on cost and other details.
Comments from Audiences:
“John and Ann Mahan have been guest speakers at Portage District Library many times. Their stunning photography, dazzling insights and poetic perspectives consistently draw large crowds and accolades. The Mahans’ sensitivity to the environment and intense research affects how we see and interact with our surroundings.”
— Marsha Meyer, Head of Adult Services, Portage District Library
“The programs have a really important message of awareness, education, and beauty to share.”
— Lori A. Martin, Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant, Park, Recreation & Tourism Resources Dept., Michigan State University
“We have had season tickets to a travelogue series for quite a number of years. All of them were good and a few of them were great. We place your presentation to be a notch higher than any of them that we have attended. Your background music was good, your narration was better, and your photographs were the best.”
— Emil & Fran Platske
Past Programs
Opening program for the Managing Shared Waters international conference — Hamilton, Ontario
Society of Environmental Journalists 10th National Conference, at Michigan State University — Lansing, Michigan
Institute of the Environment, University of Ottawa — Ottawa, Ontario
International Joint Commission Biennial meeting — Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Earth Week celebration — West Michigan Science Festival at Grand Rapids Community College — Grand Rapids, Michigan
Photographic Guild Seminar at Henry Ford Community College — Dearborn, Michigan
Kirtland's Warbler Festival — Roscommon, Michigan
Michigan State University Extension Master Gardener Conference — Lansing, Michigan
Northland College Fall Lecture Series, at Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute — Ashland, Wisconsin
Isle Royale Institute Banquet — Houghton, Michigan
Central Lake Superior Watershed Partnership Annual Meeting — Marquette, Michigan
Healing Our Waters Conference — Cleveland, Ohio
Great Lakes Restoration Conference — Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
"Making a Great Lake Superior 2007" Conference, Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center — Duluth, MN
Reception for "The Great Lakes Close Up: Spirit and Science" Exhibit at Waldo Library, Western Michigan University — Kalamazoo, Michigan