Georgann Eubanks
Nestled in the heart of the Highlands Plateau, the Zahner Conservation Lecture Series returns this August with two compelling programs that invite audiences to see the natural world with fresh eyes – and renewed purpose.
On Thursday, August 7, acclaimed nature writer Georgann Eubanks takes the stage with Finding the Fabulous Ordinary, a lyrical journey through the Southeast’s seasonal spectacles.
Drawing from her latest book, The Fabulous Ordinary: Discovering the Natural Wonders of the Wild South, Eubanks reveals how seemingly modest ecosystems brim with magic. From bugling elk in the Smokies to glowing gnat larvae in an obscure Alabama canyon, her stories span seven states and celebrate the quiet marvels that often go unnoticed. These destinations, she argues, are perfect for children and families – not just for their beauty, but for the sense of stewardship they inspire. Sponsored by Kim and Rich Daugherty and Kathy and Bestor Ward, this free lecture promises to enchant and enlighten.
One week later, on Thursday, August 14, Megan Sutton, Southern Blue Ridge Program Director for The Nature Conservancy, presents Southern Appalachian Forest Resilience in a Post Hurricane World. In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Sutton offers a sobering yet hopeful look at the challenges facing our forests. She’ll detail the storm’s ecological toll and explore how climate change compounds the risks to biodiversity, water quality, and forest health. But Sutton also highlights the resilience of these ecosystems and the innovative recovery efforts underway—from adaptive management to community-driven conservation. Sponsored by Martha and Michael Dupuis, Monte and Palmer Gaillard, and Melanie and Tom Mauldin, this lecture is a must for anyone invested in the future of the Plateau’s woodlands.
Megan Sutton
Both events are held at the Highlands Nature Center (930 Horse Cove Road) from 6:00 to 7:00 P.M. and are free to the public. No registration is required.
The Zahner Lectures, a tradition dating back to the 1930s, continue to honor the legacy of Dr. Robert Zahner and Glenda Zahner by fostering environmental awareness and appreciation.
Whether you’re drawn to poetic wonder or ecological resilience, August’s Zahner Lectures offer a chance to deepen your connection to the land – and to the stories that shape it.
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