This speaker series is a partnership between Adkins Arboretum, Pickering Creek Audubon Center, ShoreRivers, Eastern Shore Land Conservancy,  Phillips Wharf, and Wild Ones. It is offered free of charge, thanks to funding from Chesapeake Bay Trust and Queen Anne’s County. It is open to the public. Please refer to the descriptions for the presentation locations. 

Building Backyard Biodiversity 
Sunday, August 23, 1 – 2:30 pm
Adkins Arboretum, Ridgely, MD
Are you itching to take action on building a beautiful and biodiverse habitat garden to support treasured wildlife?  You can start today in this vital work by being an ecological gardener! In this presentation by Eylse Jurgen, gain insight from the ‘5 E’s of Ecological Gardening’ to get your space planned and buzzing. Whether your canvas is a 10 sq. ft. balcony or a monoculture of mowed lawn grass, be inspired to rebuild biodiversity in your piece of the planet. REGISTER (Free admission; advanced registration is required.)

The Extraordinary Caterpillar: Film Screening 
Wednesday, September 16, 5:30 pm refreshments, 6 pm film begins
Oxford Community Center, Oxford, MD
Experience The Extraordinary Caterpillar, a visually stunning documentary featuring Doug Tallamy and Sam Jeffe of The Caterpillar Lab. Through breathtaking macro videography, the film reveals the critical role caterpillars play in supporting birds, pollinators, and healthy ecosystems. REGISTER (Free admission; advanced registration is required.)

The Cove Creek Club Native Garden Tour 
Thursday, September 17, 5 – 7 pm
Stevensville, MD
Explore how the Cove Creek Club community transformed its common areas through native landscaping and ecological design. Guided by residents Mary Harms and Rebekah Sims, with landscape designer Paul Drummond, this tour shares the story behind a successful HOA-led effort to create beautiful landscapes that support pollinators, birds, and biodiversity. Refreshments provided. REGISTER (Free admission; advanced registration is required.)

Nobel Garden Tour 
Wednesday, September 30, 10 am – 1 pm
Easton, MD
Tour the garden of Cecilia and Robert Nobel at Londonderry on the Tred Avon in Easton, designed by landscape designer Jan Kirsh. This tour highlights thoughtful landscape design and the role residential landscapes can play in supporting beauty, biodiversity, and connection to place along Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Refreshments will be served in the Manor House. REGISTER (Free admission; advanced registration is required.)

The Lost Trees of Willow Ave with Mike Tidwell 
Sunday, November 15, 1:00 pm
Cadby Theatre, Chesapeake College, Wye Mills, MD
Join author and climate activist Mike Tidwell for a discussion of his new book, The Lost Trees of Willow Avenue: A Story of Climate and Hope on One American Street. Through a story of his own Takoma Park neighborhood, Tidwell explores the local impacts of climate change, while also highlighting stories of resilience, community action, and environmental hope.  (Free admission; advanced registration is required.)