Marine Life & Manhattans Understanding marine biology is crucial for protecting the earth’s oceans, climate and biodiversity. Many children dream of becoming marine biologists, but what does the job really entail? Marine scientist and educator Symone Barkley spends her time reading policies protecting endangered species, spending long days on boats catching sharks, teaching classrooms of... Read more »
Waterfowl & Whiskeys As Marylanders, many of us grew up around waterfowl and the Chesapeake Bay, some would say our blood is brackish. Brooks Paternotte, Irvine’s Executive Director, will share how waterfowl hunting traditions have inspired people like him to advocate for our environment. You will not only learn about waterfowl and wetland conservation efforts... Read more »
Clever Trees & Boozy Teas Often overlooked, trees are a prominent feature of the landscape and provide numerous benefits for humans and forest ecosystems. Recent studies have revealed some surprising interactions between woody plants and other organisms, such as communication, cooperation, and codependency. Explore some of these lesser-known aspects of tree ecology. For 35 years,... Read more »
Salamanders & Sours For the past three years Dr. Mark Norris and his students at Stevenson University have been surveying red-backed salamanders at Irvine and Stevenson. While they are considered very common in eastern forests, their research shows that these amphibians exist in very limited locations. Join Dr. Norris to learn more about the secretive... Read more »
Moss & Mojitos Nematodes, Rotifers, & Water Bears, Oh My! From single celled organisms to microscopic animals such as tardigrades, there is an unseen world teeming with biodiversity that of a forest at large. Join Irvine’s Environmental Educator, Colby Bieschke, on a microscopic expedition to discover the animals and organisms that call mosses home. Colby... Read more »
Pollinators & Palmers Flower beds are abuzz with pollinators from bees and butterflies to hummingbirds. But there are also fierce predators looking for a meal that might help to control aphids and caterpillars or snatch an unwary bee. Learn about these ‘good guys v bad guys’ with amazing insects that act like wolves in sheep... Read more »
Conservation & Cosmos Nature Centers and other land owners have a responsibility to steward the land they own. Whether it is forests, wetlands, meadows, or even gardens, solid land management practices are crucial to ensuring ecosystems are protected forever. Learn how Irvine determines and implements best management practices for conserving and enhancing our land, and... Read more »
