Exploring Nature Speaker Series
Join Tracy Aviary monthly, April – August, for our new Exploring Nature Speaker Series, which features six afternoons of nature-inspired fun with local experts and luminaries. These events are free with admission.
Saving the Monarchy: One Milkweed at a Time
April 10, 2024 @ 1-2 p.m.
Join founder of Utah Friends of Monarchs, Rachel Taylor for an engaging presentation on the iconic monarch butterfly, which have captured the hearts of Americans for generations. We’ll explore their amazing migration (up to 3000 miles!), what it takes to visit Utah each year, and how each of us can help them as they teeter on the edge of the Endangered Species List.
Raising Flamingos and Other Bird Breeding Stories
May 15, 2024 @ 1-2 p.m.
Caring for birds is a fulfilling and fascinating job. But it’s even more meaningful when it contributes to global conservation efforts! Kate Lyngle-Cowand will discuss how she and her staff oversee the nutrition, health and even the social life of birds to support not only happy birds – but birds who successfully breed for healthier populations both in captivity and out in the wild. She’ll share behind-the-scene stories of the Flamingo, Sihek (Guam Kingfisher); Hooded Pitta; and Red Siskin. Guests will also get an exclusive tour of Tracy Aviary’s incubation room as part of the event.
ANTS: The Little Things That Run the World!
June 5, 2024 @ 1-2 p.m.
Ants are a major force in the world, moving soil, controlling insect pests, and coming to your picnic. They are fascinating because, like us, they live in societies. University of Utah professor, Dr. Longino will review ant life in general, highlighting some of the interesting ant stories in our own back yard, as well as his research on ant diversity in Central America.
The King and I: My 10-Year Relationship with an Andean Condor
July 3, 2024 @ 1-2 p.m.
Vultures may not seem like the easiest animals to love. But Tracy Aviary’s Curator of Bird Programs, Helen Dishaw, developed a relationship with a 50-year-old Andean condor that changed both their lives and made Andy a worldwide ambassador for conservation. His gentle and trusting nature allowed for unique close-up experiences with guests and his charisma created a global following of Andy N. Condor fans.
Making Friends with Utah Pollinators: Creating a Pollinator Garden
August 14, 2024 @ 1-2 p.m.
Many pollinators are facing critical habitat loss and steep population decline. As individuals, we can make a big difference. Learn how to attract native pollinators in your urban garden, support interconnected habitat corridors, and take part in citizen science projects to monitor Utah’s native pollinators from Tracy Aviary horticulturist, Parker Lloyd.