Zoë Schlanger photo by Heather Sten
On Wednesday, September 10, at 11:00 AM, the Highlands Biological Foundation invites the community to an extraordinary moment of wonder: the 2025 Carpenter Lecture, where science, nature, and storytelling converge in the heart of the Plateau.
Held at the Highlands Performing Arts Center, this year’s biennial lecture welcomes Zoë Schlanger, an award-winning science journalist and author of The Light Eaters, a New York Times bestseller that explores the elusive world of plant intelligence. Schlanger’s lecture – titled Memory, Manipulation, Mimicry, and Kinship: A Tour Through the Cutting Edge of Plant Intelligence Research – promises to unlock remarkable insights into the behaviors and lives of plants.
From adaptive strategies to astonishing examples of botanical memory and deception, her discoveries challenge how we define life and consciousness.
Described by Robin Wall Kimmerer (Braiding Sweetgrass) as “a masterpiece of science writing,” Schlanger’s work has transformed public understanding of the plant kingdom. Her reporting, featured in The Atlantic, The New York Times, and NPR, bridges the gap between rigorous science and spellbinding storytelling, making complex research approachable and deeply moving.
The Carpenter Lecture pays tribute to the legacy of former Highlands Biological Foundation director Sonya Carpenter, whose vision helped cultivate a deep appreciation for ecological inquiry and wonder. This year’s lecture continues that legacy, bringing one of the most compelling voices in environmental journalism to Highlands.
Following the lecture, guests are invited to a reception, where they’ll have the opportunity to meet Schlanger and purchase signed copies of The Light Eaters. For plant enthusiasts, nature lovers, and lifelong learners alike, this event offers a rare chance to reflect on the extraordinary intelligence blossoming just beneath our feet.
The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Reserve your seat at highlandsbiological.org/carpenter.
It’s a gathering not just of people – but of ideas, insights, and awe. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the green world reimagined.
To register, visit highlandsbiological.org/carpenter.
Favorites Count: 0