Christel Kasselmann 'In the Flesh'

[Seattle_Aquarist]

Hi All,

We had a huge turnout at our local aquarium club meeting Saturday night; over 130 fish and plant geeks showed up for one of the most memorable meetings in the history of our club. Christel's presentation on 'Rare and Usual Aquatic Plants' lasted two hours and I was so enthralled it seemed like 30 minutes. She covered the plant species, environments, and water conditions that she found in her 40+ expeditions throughout the world. What surprised me the most were the pictures of the many excellent species that have been discovered but never make it into the hobby (or on to the forums).

On a side note I had the opportunity to meet a fellow TPT member: Tex Gal, President of the Dallas Ft Worth Aquatic Plant Club, for the first time; what a warm and wonderful individual.

Here are some shots that Erik Olson (AGA/thekrib.com) took during our meeting. Enjoy!

Christel taking questions after the 2 hour+ presentation

Christel during the lecture; approx 1/3 the audience; can you pick out Tex Gal??!!


Christel during the lecture most of 130 member audience


One of Three 'mini-auction' Tables; Young member checking out the LED Light fixture being auctioned

[AzFishKid]

What a great opportunity to be able to have Ms. Kasselmann speak to GSAS. Looks like it was a fantastic meeting with a very high turnout! Wish i could have been there to hear her speak...

Thanks for sharing the photos.

[Algae Beater]

i saw her presentation at the Vancouver Aquarium, it was great !!

[Seattle_Aquarist]

Hi Algae Beater,

I'm glad you enjoyed her presentation. GSAS and VAHC have an excellent relationship and have worked together to bring several high quality speakers to our members; this is just another example of what can be done with a little cooperation.

[Da Plant Man]

Hey! I see myself!

She was very cool, I wanna go collecting pretty bad now. I may have an opportunity to go (somewhere like Brazil) collecting next year, but I just need somebody to go with, seeing as it would depend on my parents letting me go with somebody, it would not be alone.

[Seattle_Aquarist]

Hey Plant Man,

I am glad you made the trip from CA to Seattle; it was great seeing you! Keep an eye on 'airstone', I heard some rumblings of a possible Central America trip.