Need a speaker for your company, organization, or club? We have many multimedia programs to offer, including,
Botanical Time Bombs: A Historical Look at the Accidental and Intentional Introduction of Indiana’s Invasive Plants — You may know many of the 126 plants legally recognized as invasive in Indiana, but do you know the history of their arrival? In this program, we take a historical journey from European settlement to the present day, tracing how these species found their way to the United States. The program reflects upon the historical factors that contributed to their arrival and examines the lessons learned and unlearned.
Butterflies in Our Backyard — An introduction to one of the most beloved insect superfamilies, we delve into the identification, lifecycles, and adaptations of Midwestern butterflies and skippers.
Ecological Patriotism — An introductory presentation about native plants and how they benefit the diversity of life that evolved to depend on them
Ecologically Responsible Trees and Shrubs — Woody plants often form the basis of our landscapes, but aside from “native,” what criteria are we using to evaluate the ecological contributions of our landscape choices? This program goes “beyond native” by diving deeper into genetic diversity and microhabitats that factor into ecologically responsible woody plant selection.
Flavors of Nature: Native Food Plants — An introduction to the Midwestern native plants historically and contemporarily used for food. We explore their stories, identification, health-related concerns, and ethical foraging techniques.
Moths of the Great Lakes Region — Moth species outnumber butterflies by approximately ten to one, but most of these nocturnal flying insects go unnoticed. We shed light on the Lepidoptera’s unsung heroes by exploring the fascinating world of moth adaptations and ecosystem services.
Spring Woodland Wildflowers of the Lower Lake Michigan Region: History, Folklore and Physiology — Few sights are more of a delight to behold than the Midwestern forest floor in early Spring. Even before the snow begins to melt, the race is on for our native woodland flowers. Within a period of only a few weeks or less, they must employ specialized adaptations to maximize sunlight and reproduction before the tree canopy closes. Come along with us as we take you on a seasonal journey through the flora of the Spring forest. Along the way, we’ll take a closer look and explore their physiology, life strategies and folklore.
Trees of Northern Indiana — Originally developed for the Indiana Master Naturalist Program, this two-hour-plus presentation provides an in-depth look at the taxonomy and identification of the trees native to northern Indiana.
Where the Buffalo Roamed, the Plants and Ecology of Indiana’s Prairies — Although Indiana’s prairies historically comprised a relatively small portion of the Hoosier landscape, their beauty, diversity, and character have captivated us for centuries. This program explores the flora, fauna, history, and ecological significance of our majestic tallgrass prairies.
Where Have All the Carsons gone? — A journey through inspiring stories of conservationists past and present whose struggles and incremental triumphs remind us that the calvary starts with us.
Upcoming Events
May
May 3: Indiana Master Naturalists — Indiana Dunes spring session: ecology and botany
March
March 29: LaPorte County Master Gardeners’ Show — Keynote presentation on ecological considerations for trees and shrubs
Recent Appearances and Events
2025
March
Howard County Master Gardeners’ Show —Garden Ecology and Butterflies and Moths
