Nature of Things,
Speaker Series
Local experts lecture on topics from flora and fauna, to conservation and geology, entomology and more. Many lectures include a guided walk or field study on the same day or on a follow-up date.
Book Talk: Mornings on Fair Oaks Bridge: Watching Wildlife at the Lower American River
Janice Kelley
Saturday, April 11, 2026 | 11am - 12pm
Free
About the program
Have you wondered what kind of wildlife you can spot on the Lower American River? Effie Yeaw Nature Center welcomes author Janice Kelley for a talk and reading of her book Mornings on Fair Oaks Bridge: Watching Wildlife at the Lower American River.
This wonderful book includes 75 first person narratives and more than 100 scenic photographs. Entries feature stories and photographs over 18 months on the river ~ two fall salmon runs, wildlife antics, the impact of 2017 winter floods on wildlife and habitat, spectacular sunrises, and the 2017 solar eclipse.​
About your speakers
Janice is an accomplished and award-winning writer, editor, interpretive naturalist, program director, and workshop leader. Her experience combines work in the arts, literacy, health, recreation, science, and conservation. Her creative and engaging style stimulates the imagination and interest of all ages. Learn more about Janice Kelley and her work at www.naturelegacies.com
Click image to enlarge.
Pollinators at EYNC: Bees, Butterflies, Beetles and More
Dr. Mary Louise Flint
Saturday, May 16, 2026 | 10am - 11:30am
Members: $10
General: $15
About the program
Learn about key pollinators that visit the Effie Yeaw pollinator garden and the Nature Study Area and learn to identify the plants they visit. We will review key groups including social bees, solitary bees, ground-nesting and cavity-nesting bees as well as the common butterflies and moths that frequent our flowers. You may be surprised at the number of fly species we will find hovering over the garden and the small beetles that also provide important pollination services. Ten native flowering plants and the insects (and hummingbirds) that pollinate them will be detailed. The lecture will feature gorgeous photos of pollinators and flowers.
​
Program will include a one-hour lecture and a 30-minute field program observing pollinators in the EYNC garden and identifying native plants that support them.
About your speakers
Mary Louise Flint received her Ph.D in Entomology from UC Berkeley and was on the faculty of the Department of Entomology and Nematology at UC Davis for 34 years, retiring as a Professor Emerita. Her research focused on beneficial insects and environmentally-sound management of pests of gardens, farms, and urban landscapes as well as invasive pests. She maintains an active interest in all things entomological including bumble bees and other pollinators. She has been a Docent at EYNC since 2017.
Click image to enlarge.
An Introduction to Nature Journaling
Brian Higginbotham
Saturday, June 13, 2026 | 10am - 11:00am
Members: $10 (lecture only); $20 (lecture + field study)
General: $15 (lecture only); $30 (lecture + field study)
About the program
Join us for a fun, family friendly introduction to noticing and documenting the wonders of nature through simple sketches, words, and numbers in a nature journal. No art experience needed - just curiosity and a love of learning about the outdoors.
Speaker Bio: Brian Higginbotham is the founder of the Great Valley Nature Journal Club in Sacramento, CA. The club was founded in October 2019 following the first Wild Wonder Conference in Monterey. Brian is an economist by training but uses his sketchbook to learn, and deepen his appreciation of, the natural world.
​
Participants should bring paper and a pencil or pen, or a sketchbook if they already have one.
About your speakers
Brian Higginbotham is the founder of the Great Valley Nature Journal Club in Sacramento, CA. The club was founded in October 2019 following the first Wild Wonder Conference in Monterey. Brian is an economist by training but uses his sketchbook to learn, and deepen his appreciation of, the natural world.
Click image to enlarge.
Past Speakers
The Effie Yeaw Nature Center is grateful for the past speakers of our Nature of Things. See below for our 2026 past speakers.
