2026 Spring Series
Nature’s Narratives & Nature’s Nomads: Celebrate Science, Conservation, and Community This Spring
Join us for our 2026 Spring Series Programs every Tuesday & Thursday from February 3rd to March 12th, 2026. This annual series celebrates science, conservation, and the great outdoors, and all events are free and open to everyone! Discover the wonders of our local landscape in our "Nature's Nomads" series and dive deep into fascinating topics through our “Nature’s Narratives" speaker events.
Join us Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 6:00 PM for the first of our Spring Series “Nature’s Narratives” lectures, titled A Bird’s-Eye View of Everglades Restoration, with Dr. Mark Cook. Dr. Cook will explore how wading birds reflect the progress of Everglades restoration and serve as “feathered sentinels” of ecosystem health.
Join us Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 10:00 AM for the first of our Spring Series “Nature’s Nomads” events, titled From Trail to Lens: Photographing Florida’s Scrub Jays, with Chris McCarty & Erinn Mullen.
Erinn will lead a guided hike through Florida’s scrub habitat in search of the iconic Florida Scrub-Jay, a species found nowhere else on Earth. Along the trail, participants will learn about scrub-jay behavior, habitat, and conservation while exploring one of Florida’s most unique ecosystems. This experience also includes an introductory course by Chris in birding photography, focused on ethical wildlife observation and practical techniques for photographing birds in the field. Designed for beginners, this program blends nature exploration, conservation learning, and creative skill-building in an immersive outdoor setting.
Join us Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 6:00 PM for the second of our Spring Series “Nature’s Narratives” event, where Dr. Chris Malinowski will share an inside look at how scientists study ocean predators and use research to drive real-world marine conservation.
Join us Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 10:00 AM for our second Spring Series “Nature’s Nomads” activity of the season: Nature Journaling with Autumn Kioti. Cultivate intentional connections with South Florida’s living landscapes as Autumn leads guests through local habitats, welcoming mindful observation, reflection, and journaling as part of this immersive journey.
Join us Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 6:00 PM for the third of our Spring Series “Nature’s Narratives” lectures, titled Creating Resilient, Sustainable Yards, with Jennifer Pelham. Jennifer will discuss nine science-based principles that will guide you in maintaining healthy, beautiful landscapes that protect Florida’s natural resources.
Join us Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 10:00 AM for the third of our Spring Series “Nature’s Nomads” events, Yoga on the Beach, with local yogi Taylor Mazza. Unwind with a gentle yoga practice outdoors, where beach breezes, rhythmic waves, and soft sand create a naturally grounding setting. This all-levels class focuses on mindful movement, breath, and relaxation, offering a peaceful way to connect with your body, the shoreline, and the present moment.
Join us Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 6:00 PM for the fourth of our Spring Series “Nature’s Narratives” lectures, A Space Tour - Up-Close Views of Jupiter, Saturn, the Moon, and More, with Quin Travers from the Astronomical Society of the Palm Beaches. Join Quin and discover the wonders of Saturn, Jupiter, and the Moon in an engaging presentation, followed by hands-on telescope viewing of these stunning celestial objects.
Join us Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 10:00 AM our fourth Spring Series “Nature’s Nomads” event of the season: a Refuge Cleanup at the Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge, in partnership with Keep Martin Beautiful. This hands-on conservation event brings the community together to help protect one of our most treasured coastal habitats. Guests will work alongside fellow conservationists to remove marine debris from the beach, helping safeguard wildlife and preserve the Refuge’s natural beauty. All ages are welcome, and no prior experience is required.
Join us Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 6:00 PM for the fifth of our Spring Series “Nature’s Narratives” events, Rebuilding the Reef: Florida’s Corals and a Future Worth Saving, with Leneita Fix.
Leneita will offer a broad look at Florida’s coral reefs, the challenges they face, and the efforts underway to protect what remains. Through first-hand accounts, insights, and discussion, this event invites reflection on why reefs matter and what a hopeful future could look like.
Join us Thursday, March 5, at 10 AM for the fifth Spring Series “Nature’s Nomads” event, where local artist Naomi Dumbar will lead a morning of landscape nature painting in watercolor on the Indian River Lagoon. Let the beauty of the outdoors inspire your creativity! Painting supplies will be provided for this free event. No experience needed - just bring a beach chair or towel to sit on and your love for art and the great outdoors.
Join us Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 6:00 PM for our final Spring Series “Nature’s Narratives” lecture, Our Local Sea Turtles - Up-Close & Personal, with a special book signing by Blair & Dawn Witherington to follow. Sea turtles are ancient animals thrust into our modern era. Blair and Dawn Witherington will share stories about the mysterious lives of these fascinating animals. The authors will present an engaging photographic tour of these complex marine animals. Following their presentation, the Witheringtons will sign copies of their books, which will be available for purchase.
Join us Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 10:00 AM for the sixth and final installment of our Spring Series “Nature’s Nomads” events. Tracy Boothby will lead one of our most popular activities, where participants will learn about the importance of seagrass beds in Florida and the incredible biodiversity of the Indian River Lagoon. Then, they’ll wade in the shallow water grass flats and use a dip net to collect and organize the many creatures discovered in their nets. Participants are required to wear closed-toed shoes (e.g., water shoes or sneakers) and must be prepared to enter the water up to their waists.
