The UT Arboretum Society is offering two virtual educational programs next week: American red wolves on October 1 and backyard birds on October 3.
Both programs are free, but registration is required to receive your Zoom link and the recording. The programs will be recorded and sent to all who register. Register here under “programs.” Contact Michelle at email for any questions or registration issues.
The American Red Wolf: Critically Endangered, Critically Important and Sometimes Forgotten
The American red wolf is endangered, but how are we working to save these creatures? Join the program on Tuesday, October 1, 7 p.m. EDT as we learn why the red wolf is important to our environment. The program will be led by Tish Gailmard, a learning and engagement specialist at Reflection Riding Arboretum in Chattanooga, who will introduce us to this fascinating animal. Tish considers herself incredibly lucky to turn her passion for loving animals into an occupation. A graduate of the University of Georgia and a Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency-licensed wildlife rehabilitator for mammals and rabies vector species, Tish was named the Tennessee Wildlife Federation Environmental Educator of the Year.
White-breasted Nuthatches can walk down the tree without falling. How do they do that? Photo by: Betty Thompson
The Secrets of Backyard Birds
The common birds in your backyard have their secrets. Chickadees have great memories, nuthatches can walk down the tree without falling, robins can locate worms crawling underground and all of them need to grow new feathers once or twice a year.
How do they all do that? Join UT Arboretum education coordinator, Michelle Campanis, and naturalist/author, Stephen Lyn Bales, via Zoom for The Secrets of Backyard Birds on Thursday, October 3, 7 p.m. EDT to learn more why these common birds aren’t so common.
The October First Thursday Supper Club presentation is a monthly presentation hosted by the UT Arboretum Society. Bales is a well-known East Tennessee naturalist, author and speaker. He hosts the UT Arboretum Society’s monthly First Thursday Supper Club virtual presentation. A native of Gatlinburg and the Smokies, he learned from an early age the beauty in the natural world and the importance of protecting it.
Bales served as senior naturalist at Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville for 20 years. He is a regular guest speaker for the UT Arboretum and other local groups. In the past 30 years, Stephen Lyn has written over 600 nature-related newspaper and magazine articles. Additionally, he has written three nature books published by the University of Tennessee Press: Natural Histories, Ghost Birds and Ephemeral by Nature. His books often explore the links in natural history with our own human history.
The Forest Resources AgResearch and Education Center celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2024. It is one of the 10 University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture AgResearch and Education Centers located throughout Tennessee. The Institute of Agriculture also provides instruction, research and public service through the UT Herbert College of Agriculture, the UT College of Veterinary Medicine, UT AgResearch and UT Extension offices, with locations in every county in the state.
To learn more about the Arboretum Society, go to arboretum website.
Melanie Staten is a public relations consultant with her husband, Vince.