Ecology Lecture Series
Our Park Ranger, Sydney, will be returning to the library this fall to dive into even more nature topics related to South Portland. During these lectures, we will look at different topics through the lens of folklore, natural history, ecology, and conservation. These lectures take place on Thursdays throughout the fall and winter at the Main Branch of the South Portland Public Library.
Topics and dates are as follows:
10/16/25- Nature in Horror Films and Books: To celebrate Halloween, we will be embarking on an exciting exploration of the captivating realm of horror films and books. Our focus will be on the often overlooked, yet fascinating, roles that plants and animals play within these narratives, examining how they are utilized, portrayed, and ultimately, contribute to the overall atmosphere and storytelling.
12/4/25- Human Health and the Natural Environment: Join us for an engaging discussion exploring the profound connection between nature and our well-being. This talk will explore the ways in which the natural world influences our health, examining everything from the regulation of our circadian rhythms to the acceleration of our healing processes.
2/19/26- Pets and Nature: Our beloved pets once held a place in the natural environment, but now their role is quite different. Join us at this presentation to learn about how we came to domesticate some of our most beloved animals, what their current impacts are on the environment, and how some of them can play an active role in conservation.
4/16/26- Conservation in the City: Want to get involved in conservation, but don't know where to start? In this presentation, we'll explore a wide array of opportunities, ranging from hands-on citizen science initiatives that directly contribute to real-world research to connecting with local conservation-focused organizations where you can help through volunteering. Discover how, no matter your background or experience, you can make a meaningful impact on protecting our natural world.
All talks take place at 6:30pm.