Nature Talks: Inspiring Ideas and Community Conversations
Phipps’ virtual speaker series features leading voices from across the country to grow your understanding of our natural history and future vision for Pittsburgh.
Phipps’ virtual speaker series features leading voices from across the country to grow your understanding of our natural history and future vision for Pittsburgh. Talks will bring the speakers virtually to Pittsburgh, and can be enjoyed in-person in our historic Botany Hall Lecture or online via Zoom.
Questions? Contact Dr. Maria Wheeler-Dubas, Science Education Outreach Manager, at mwheeler-dubas@phipps.conservatory.org.
This conference counts as 4 hours of elective credit for the following Phipps certificate programs: Ecological Gardening and Landscape and Garden Design. Approved for a total of 3.25 CEUs for landscape architects from ASLA. ISA, SLC, and PCH CEUs are pending.
Schedule
Fireflies! Protecting Our Jewels of the Night | Wed., Oct. 15; 7 p.m.
Fireflies are surely among our greatest ambassadors for Earth’s natural magic. For centuries their ethereal beauty has sparked wonder and inspired poets, artists, and children of all ages. Yet they hold so many mysteries! Join us to learn how they got their bright lights, explore their remarkable lifestyles, hear how human activities put fireflies at risk, and find out how you can help protect these dazzling creatures.
Sara Lewis
An ecologist and professor emerita at Tufts University, Lewis has spent the past thirty years studying firefly behavior, ecology, and evolution. She currently coordinates global firefly conservation efforts as co-chair of the IUCN Firefly Specialist Group. In addition to writing numerous scientific articles, Prof. Lewis has given a TED talk and has written popular articles for Scientific American, Undark, CNN, The Guardian, and National Wildlife. Her work has been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and BBC, along with numerous radio shows and podcasts. She is also the author of Silent Sparks:The Wondrous World of Fireflies, an entertaining and highly accessible journey into their luminous lives.
The Little Brown Bird Screening and Discussion with Filmmaker | Wed., Nov. 19; 7 p.m.
Join us for a screening of the film The Little Brown Bird, and a discussion with the film’s director KT Bryden about the intersection of land, people, and empathy in the preservation of species. The Little Brown Bird, a collaboration between WildPath and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, explores the plight of the critically imperiled Florida Grasshopper Sparrow. Once down to 80 in the wild, the Florida Grasshopper Sparrow is at risk of extinction. Biologist Fabiola ‘Fabby’ Baeza-Tarin and an unexpected team work together to protect the sparrows, their shrinking habitat, and the headwaters of the Everglades.
KT Bryden
Director, Cinematographer, and ProducerKT Bryden is an Emmy-winning cinematographer, conservationist, and storyteller dedicated to creating compelling narratives about the natural world. Her work, featured on platforms such as Disney+, PBS, and National Geographic, bridges the gap between science and storytelling. As the Executive Producer and Film Director at Wildpath, KT partners with scientists, conservationists, and storytellers to craft powerful, purpose-driven films. Whether capturing rare wildlife moments or delving into the emotional stakes of conservation, she is deeply committed to inspiring audiences to protect the planet.
More Events You’ll Enjoy
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Ikebana International Exhibit
OPEN NOW
In this recurring exhibit in our Welcome Center Gallery, view gorgeous floral displays courtesy of the Ikebana International Pittsburgh Chapter. -
Tropical Forest Panama
NOW OPEN
Embark on a spectacular journey through the lush vegetation and vibrant culture of Panama, the incredibly biodiverse land bridge connecting North and South America, in our immersive new Tropical Forest Conservatory exhibit. -
An Enchanted Winter's Eve
Fri., Nov. 21
SAVE THE DATE! Join us for an unforgettable evening as Phipps Conservatory kicks off the holiday season in grand style with An Enchanted Winter’s Eve.
