NATURALIST TALKS
Join us for virtual learning and discussions at our Naturalist Talks. Each talk will feature a new topic to connect participants with the natural word and others interested in nature. Our talks are open to all ages and feature our experienced Grassroots Ecology staff sharing knowledge of local plants, animals and natural history. Details about each Talk will be released monthly in our email announcements and posted in our Events Calendar.
Contact info@grassrootsecology.org with any questions.
PREVIOUS TALKS
In the Weeds with Grassroots Ecology
Learn about invasive plants that grow at our local open spaces, and what we are doing to keep them in check.
This talk was offered by Grassroots Ecology in partnership with the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District and Valley Water.
Talk by Claire Grist, Grassroots Ecology Project Lead, Kristen Williams, Grassroots Ecology Habitat Restoration Director, and Nina Orellana, Grassroots Ecology Restoration Specialist.
Recorded on March 25, 2021.
Bird Habitats at Byrne Preserve
Byrne Preserve in Los Altos Hills is an excellent place to observe these seasonal changes and see how local birds benefit from our nest box monitoring and maintenance, and native habitat restoration work.
Talk by Valerie Lee, Grassroots Ecology Project Lead, Emily Sharp, Grassroots Ecology Restoration Specialist, and Shelley Pneh, Grassroots Ecology Ecologist II.
Recorded on February 25, 2021.
Use our Birds of Byrne brochure to help identify several common birds on your next visit to Byrne Preserve!
Nature for All at Foothills Nature Preserve
(English)
Nestled in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Foothills Nature Preserve is a nature lover's paradise that provides family-friendly recreation options for the casual picnicker to the experienced hiker. Grassroots Ecology has been working with the City of Palo Alto since 2013 to steward and restore habitat at the park, ensuring its beauty for future generations.
English talk by Talk by Claire Grist, Grassroots Ecology Project Lead, and Angela Richman Park Ranger with the City of Palo Alto.
Recorded on January 28, 2021.
(Spanish)
Spanish talk by Melisa Cambron Perez, Grassroots Ecology Project Lead, and Nina Orellana, Grassroots Ecology Restoration Specialist.
King Tides and Our Changing Shorelines
Each winter, king tides mean flooded low-lying streets and sidewalks, which highlight our vulnerabilities and give us important information about how we need to prepare our communities for sea level rise.
Talk by Kathleen Tarlow, Grassroots Ecology Education Director, Claire Elliott, Grassroots Ecology Senior Ecologist, and Hannah Cunningham, Grassroots Ecology Education Programs Coordinator.
Recorded on December 12, 2020.
The Dynamic Nature of the Salt Marsh
Wade into the wonders of the San Francisco Bay salt marshes to learn about the unique the unusual species that occur there and the essential ecological functions they provide
Talk by Kathleen Tarlow, Grassroots Ecology Education Director and Hope Presley, Interpretive Specialist with San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society.
Recorded on November 19, 2020.
Crawly Creatures and Where to Find Them
Ecologist Shelley Pneh weaves a web of intrigue about spiders including their behaviors, habitats, and some fascinating local species. Also joining is biologist Merav Vonshok of BioBlitz Club who takes you into the world of millipedes, centipes, scorpions, and other arthropods that creep and crawl in the night.
Though you will learn about all of these creatures from the safety of your screen, we will also teach you where and how to find them in the wild.
Recorded on October 29, 2020.
Native Plant Nursery Spotlight
Go behind the scenes of the Grassroots Ecology Native Plant Nursery and learn tips for choosing the right native plants for your space.
Talk by Deanna Giuliano, Grassroots Ecology Nursery Director/Botanical Consultant.
Recorded on September 24, 2020.
Oaks, Acorns, and Galls
Explore the fascinating ecology of California’s oaks. Native oak trees are keystone species in many California ecosystems, meaning that hundreds of other organisms rely on them for habitat and food.
Talk by Kathleen Tarlow, Grassroots Ecology Education Director, and Paul Heiple, Grassroots Ecology Botanist Emeritus.
Recorded on August 27, 2020.
Fire and Flora
Learn how to prepare your land for fire season. This talk covers the natural history of fire and how California native plants can be used as alternatives to common fire-prone landscaping species.
Talk by Nikki Hanson, Grassroots Ecology Environmental Educator, and Craig Beckman, Skyline Area Manager at Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District.
Recorded on July 30, 2020.
Trees in Our Communities
Learn why trees (especially natives!) are so important to have in— or to bring back into an urban ecosystem.
Talk by Junko Bryant, Grassroots Ecology Assistant Director, and Maya Briones, Community Forestry Coordinator at Canopy.
Recorded on June 25, 2020.
Fish and Our Creeks
Learn about local creek health, water quality, and fish habitat.
Talk by Haley Sutton and Siena Watson, Grassroots Ecology WSP Members, and Claire Elliott, Grassroots Ecology Senior Ecologist.
Recorded on May 28, 2020.