WVU Core Arboretum Nature Connection Series

nature connection series

Local and regional experts on a variety of nature-related subjects give public talks at the Arboretum each summer as part of our WVU Core Arboretum Nature Connection Series. Nature Connection Series talks happen on Tuesday evenings at 6:00 at the WVU Core Arboretum Amphitheater, starting in early June and continuing through late August. These talks are free and open to the public, and no registration is required. All of the talks are outdoors, so please dress for the weather. Talks will be cancelled and rescheduled if the weather is inclement. Come and join the WVU Core Arboretum nature connection crew!   


2024 Calendar of Speakers and Talks:

June 11:  
Stuart Welsh, US Geological Survey, Fisheries Research Scientist: 
Hornyheads, madtoms, and darters: Narratives on Central Appalachian fishes

June 18:  
Jim Thompson, WVU Division of Plant and Soil Sciences, Professor of Soils and Land Use: 
Restoring red spruce in Appalachia: Why and how soils are used to assess restoration potential and guide decision making

June 25:  
Doug Wood, Historian of Connections between Humans and Environment: 
The landscape and economy of the Monongahela River region at the turn of the centuries (17th and 18th, that is)

July 2:  
Leroy Fowler, Young Naturalist: 
The magnificent work of Maria Merian: Artist and entomologist

July 9:  
Tucker Cooley, Entomologist and Moth Expert: 
Winged wonders of the night: The moth fauna of West Virginia

July 16: 
LeJay Graffious, Old Hemlock Foundation, Director and Bird Bander: 
Enchanting eccentricity: The American woodcock’s tale

July 23: 
Craig Barrett, WVU Department of Biology, Associate Professor: 
Landscaping with native plants: Native plants for Northern West Virginia yards

July 30: 
Bill Beatty, Wild and Natural—Nature Education and Consulting, Director: 
Mushrooming in West Virginia

August 6:
Claudette Simard, Fairmont State University, Geologist and Adjunct Professor of Earth Science: 
How West Virginia became the Mountain State

August 13:  
Margi Bush, Certified Forest Therapy Guide, National Board-Certified Health and Well-Being Coach: 
How to live an awe inspired, wonder filled life: The art and science of forest bathing

August 20:  
John DeMary, Teacher and Naturalist, Expert on Vernal Pools: 
Ephemeral pools: Critical amphibian breeding sites

August 27:  
Bill Peterjohn, WVU Department of Biology, Emeritus Professor: 
Earth’s changing climate: Causes, consequences, and challenges


WVU Core Arboretum Nature Connection Series is supported by the WVU Department of Biology, the WVU Core Arboretum Endowment, and donations from the public. All speakers are volunteers. Thank you to all who support the mission of WVU Core Arboretum!