Reserve Now: Clarke Lecture Dinner Tickets Are a Bargain!

Enjoy three delicious vegetarian dinners for just $40! All dinners
will be followed by an engaging speaker and slide presentation. The
evenings (third Saturday in January, February, and March) begin with
hot cider at 6:00 pm. A palate-pleasing vegetarian dinner is then
served. A few details about the topics and speakers follow. For more
info or to reserve your space(s) now, contact Nancy Schulz.

 January Clarke Lecture

Saturday, January 21, 6:00pm

“Nature’s Inherent Intelligence: Why Paying Attention Matters So Much”

Animals and plants can show us how to solve complex problems if we pay attention. Come see images of wind turbine blades based on the shape of humpback whale flippers, architectural designs modeled on termite mounds, and quieter, high speed trains inspired by kingfishers. The natural world has a degree of sophistication and genius far beyond our understanding. This presentation on the exciting field of biomimicry will focus on the brilliant cycles and balances in nature that can inspire us toward a new way of being. Speaker Lincoln Earle-Centers spends his days as a professional tree climber, where he contemplates the world from above.

February Clarke Lecture

Saturday, February 18, 6:00pm

“Majestic Moose”

Did you know that a cow moose can run 35 mph, hold 100 lbs of food in her stomach, move each eye independently, remain underwater for long periods of time, and routinely give birth to twins? VT’s magnificent cow and bull moose have adapted in many ways to thrive in their woods-and water-based habitat. See amazing photos and learn about the surprising qualities that make this animal so fascinating. You’ll also hear about current threats that VT’s moose population is facing. Speaker Alison Thomas is the Education Programs Manager at the VT Fish & Wildlife Department.

March Clarke Lecture

Saturday, March 18, 6:00pm

“Marvels & Mysteries of Plants in VT’s Mountains & Marshes”

Come see striking images of some of VT’s most beautiful flowers, including fringed gentians and rare showy lady’s slipper orchids. And come hear how scientists are unraveling surprising mysteries of VT’s 2,000 plant species. Did you know that many seeds can live for centuries in the soil, waiting for just the right conditions before sprouting? Did you know that the sumac you see everyday is not poisonous but edible? Did you know that Burlington has the world’s largest concentration of a very rare plant? Speaker Aaron Marcus is an Assistant Botanist at the VT Fish & Wildlife Department.