The Truth about Earthworms

Earthworms are more than garden helpers — they shape soil, ecosystems, and even forests in surprising ways. This talk uncovers their biology, origins, benefits, invasive counterparts, and their hidden impacts.

The Hidden Life of Trees: Nature’s Unsolved Mysteries

Trees are silent witnesses to centuries of change, yet many of their most familiar behaviors remain mysteries. This talk explores some of the most surprising unanswered questions about trees, from the reasons behind autumn’s vibrant colors to why some trees just won’t drop their leaves, revealing ongoing wonder in the life of trees.

Bread, Beer, and Blight: How Fungi Have Shaped Human History

Fungi have played a crucial yet often overlooked role in human history. From the ancient consumption of bread and beer to the devastating impact of fungal diseases, discover the surprising ways these organisms have shaped our past and continue to affect our lives today.

Morels and Other Spring Mushrooms

Explore spring’s most prized edible mushroom – morels – and the many other edible mushrooms you’re likely to encounter each spring. Learn how to spot these tasty treasures, avoid dangerous look-alikes, where and when to find them, and how to enjoy the thrill of foraging responsibly.

From Pheasant Back to Turkey Tail: On the Hunt for Fall Mushrooms

Discover the thrill of the hunt and uncover the secrets of fall fungi. Learn how to spot key features of common fall fungi, avoid common pitfalls, and explore practical tips and tricks for safe fungal foraging while enjoying nature’s bountiful harvest. (*This program can be a hike or an indoor presentation with photos.)

What’s in a Name? The Changing Language of Science

Names shape how we understand the natural world — but they’re not as fixed as they seem, as recently seen with changes to bird names. Discover how and why scientific names change, from long-standing traditions in taxonomy to modern efforts to rename species. Through stories of discovery, debate, and evolving language, we’ll see how renaming nature reveals not only new science but also a changing society.

A Walk Through Wildflowers

Every year nature creates a beautiful bouquet of spring ephemerals – wildflowers that only briefly bloom. Discover the kaleidoscope of colors that these wildflowers bring to each spring, where to find them, and their unique relationships with different pollinators. (*This program can be a hike or an indoor presentation with photos.)

The Final Flourish: Asters and Goldenrods

Goldenrod and aster flowers are the grand finale of the blooming season, with fields and forests flourishing with shades of yellow, pink, purple, blue, and white in the fall. Learn to identify the key characteristics of these plant species, where to find them, a few common species, and their importance to wildlife and us! (*This program can be a hike or an indoor presentation with photos.)

From Lawn to Prairie: A Guide to Grasses

Grasses are all around us, yet most of us barely notice them. This talk explores how to identify the most common species and understand their unique roles in lawns, gardens, and more natural landscapes. Whether in fields, prairies, or your own backyard, you’ll gain a new appreciation for these overlooked plants.

Love on the Rocks: Discovering Lichens

We’ve all heard about the “birds and the bees,” but have you met the fungi and the algae? Celebrate one of Mother Nature’s greatest examples of a long-term relationship – lichens! Explore how fungi and algae survive and thrive together, the diversity of lichen shapes and colors, and the role they play in local ecosystems. (*This program can be a hike or an indoor presentation with photos.)

Customizable Topics

What are you interested in learning? Let me know, and we can discuss topics and program formats that suit your group’s interests and needs.