Join National Geographic Photographer and Explorer Joel Sartore and the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) for the 7th annual Paul McCarthy Memorial Lecture on Feb. 6 at the Sanibel Community House. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.

Joel Sartore is well-known for his work photographing 16,000 species as part of the National Geographic Photo Ark — a project that has led him to over 750 zoos, aquariums, and wildlife sanctuaries around the world. He specializes in documenting endangered species and landscapes in order to show a world worth saving. Sartore is also a speaker, author, teacher, conservationist, National Geographic Explorer, and a regular contributor to National Geographic Magazine.

Sartore's books include Insects, RARE: Portraits of America's Endangered Species, National Geographic Photo Ark Wonders, and Birds of the Photo Ark. He has contributed to Audubon Magazine, The New York Times, LIFE, Newsweek, and Sports Illustrated, and his work has been the subject of many national broadcasts including 60 Minutes, the Today Show, the CBS Sunday Morning Show and even General Hospital! You may have also seen him on National Geographic's Explorer, the NBC Nightly News, NPR's Weekend Edition, an hour-long PBS documentary, At Close Range, and as a contributor on the CBS Sunday Morning Show. He is also featured in a three-part series on PBS titled "RARE: Creatures of the Photo Ark" and a continuation of that series on NatGeo Wild.

In his words, "It is folly to think that we can destroy one species and ecosystem after another and not affect humanity. When we save species, we're actually saving ourselves."

Light snacks and refreshments including beer, wine, and nonalcoholic drinks will be available before the lecture begins.

SCCF's Paul McCarthy Memorial Lecture Series was conceived by the Boler Family Foundation, which underwrites the series to honor their dear family friend. Paul McCarthy was the founder of Captiva Cruises, an SCCF Trustee, and an active presence on the islands for many years.