Nature of Things Speaker Series
Local experts lecture on topics from flora and fauna, to conservation and geology, entomology and more. Many lectures include and guided a walk or field study on the same day or a follow up date.
Upcoming Events!
Bird of the California Delta - Bird Talk with Aaron Haiman
Saturday August 23rd from 10AM - 11:30AM
Description: Based on the new book: Birds of the California Delta, this talk will focus on the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta as a place of connections and complexities. This is a place where rivers meet one another, where freshwater meets salt water, where fish link inland forests with the open ocean, where birds from the north come for the winter, and where birds from the south come to breed. The Delta is also a place of complexity. How water interacts with land and forms soil is a complex process. How humans use water, and land contains a nest of complex pressures. All these connections and complexities play out on a daily basis throughout the Delta.
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Speaker Bio: Aaron Haiman began birding when he was six years old, and his passion for birds has remained strong ever since. Following this passion has included volunteering for a variety of bird research organizations, undergraduate and graduate degrees studying birds, and working for the State of California as a Senior Environmental Scientist on ecosystem restoration. Aaron’s love of birds also takes him out birding on his own and with friends, old and new, and onto social media to share information and love of birds, nature, and science under the handle "A Birding Naturalist".
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Other Details: Books will be available for purchase and signing at the event.
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Golden-State Snakes: An Introduction to Some of California’s Most Spectacular Serpents with Michael Starkey
Saturday August 30th from 10AM - 11 AM
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Description: This presentation teaches community members about the ecological importance of snakes, identification of Californian venomous vs non-venomous snake species, precautionary measures to avoid snakebites, and first aid and treatment in the event of a snakebite. You also will learn facts and dispel myths about snake species in your backyard! In this fun, interactive and family-friendly program, educators will help answer all your questions about snakes.
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Speaker Bio: Michael G. Starkey is a conservation biologist, ecological consultant and public speaker working to educate and involve the public in wildlife conservation issues. Michael has a diverse background in the field of wildlife conservation, and he has worked as an ecological consultant for environmental consulting firms and government agencies such as the U.S. Fish&Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish & Wildlife. He has worked with a wide diversity of wildlife, including giant gartersnakes, San Francisco gartersnakes, California tiger salamanders, bats, ringtails, and Yucatán black howler monkeys. Michael has developed and implemented community-based conservation initiatives that focused on the protection of wildlife populations in Belize and Ghana. Michael is the Founder of Save The Snakes and serves as Executive Director, President of the Board of Directors and as a Venomous Snake Training Course Instructor. He uses his knowledge of snake ecology, positive attitude to inspire, and enthusiasm for snake conservation to engage the public with protecting these beautiful animals. Michael has given presentations around the world to inform the public about the threats facing wildlife and to help nurture a society that respects and appreciates nature and wildlife.
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Other Details: Live snakes will be presented during this program.
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Mildly Scenic Book Talk
Saturday, September 20th
10am – 11am (Lecture)
11:30am – 1pm (Field Study – guided hike around Ancil Hoffman Park)
Description: Join Ashley Shult Langdon as she shares the journey behind Mildly Scenic: A Trail Guide to Sacramento's Lower American River. What began as a personal exploration of the river soon led to the unexpected path of becoming an author. Ashley will recount how discovering the hidden gems along the Lower American River deepened her connection to Sacramento and inspired her to write a trail guide. This talk offers a fresh perspective on both the river and the joys of exploration—whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or simply looking for new ways to connect with the world around you. Stick around for a guided hike along the Effie Yeaw and Ancil Hoffman trails
Other Details: Books will be available for purchase and signing at the event. Optional hike following (limited space) will be along the dirt trails. If hiking, please pack comfortable, closed-toe shoes, water, and lunch.
Previous Events
Mindful Walk in the Woods
Saturday, May 27, 2025
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Amy Chance, California Naturalist, Horticultural Therapist, and Effie Yeaw docent, lead a meditative exploration of our woodland along he American River and guided deep connections through the woods, one step at a time
Not Just for the Night with Al Ludtke
Thursday, July 24th from 7:30pm – 10pm
Description: General description of moths, their place in the animal kingdom, their place in ecology. Viewing live moths attracted to light.
Speaker Bio: Bachelor's degree in Entomology UCD. Studying Lepidoptera for the past 50+ years. Have a moth named after me. Currently focusing on the Fairy Moths, family Adelidae, for the past 14 or so years.