I offer a diverse menu of talks related to pollinators. I am an enthusiastic, seasoned public speaker and can bring talks to all sorts of groups, from grade schools to garden clubs to universities. For a sample of my work, please see my Tedx talk.
I also offer guided nature adventures called “Pollinator Safaris” which you can learn about here.
Please contact me to learn more and to request a speaking quote!
Talks that I offer:
The Secret Lives of Wild Bees
You’ve probably heard “Save The Bees!” but do you know which bees need saving? Over 4000 species of bees inhabit North America, and most don’t live in hives or make honey. Wild bees come in every size, shape, and color you can imagine, and they live all around us, hiding in plain sight. In this lecture, we’ll learn about the wild bees of eastern North America. Together, we’ll examine their varied lifestyles, habitat needs, and intricate relationships they have with native flowering plants and other insects. You’ll come away clear action items for how to notice, appreciate, and help these important pollinators in your backyard.
Fundamentals of Pollinator Gardening
Over the past two decades there has been a swell of enthusiasm for pollinator gardening in the United States. Depending on where you look, the advice for how to best help pollinators can vary greatly, and sometimes lead to confusion. In this talk, we’ll learn the fundamentals and the science of pollinator gardening. We’ll learn which pollinators gardens can attract, what floral and nesting resources those pollinators need, and what actions you can take to ensure their needs are met in every season. Whether you are a seasoned native gardener, or just starting out on your pollinator garden journey, this talk will have something new for you!
Fantastic Bumble bees and Where to Find Them
Bumble bees have captured the attention and imagination of people for centuries, in part because they often live alongside people. But, how well do you know your these neighbors of yours? In a given backyard garden there can be upwards of a half dozen bumble bee species, which exhibit varied habits, pollinating behaviors and ecological needs. In this talk, we’ll learn about the life cycles of bumble bees, learn about the different species and their flower preferences, and learn tips for identifying and conserving them.
Let’s Take a Virtual Pollinator Safari
We love movies for their drama, romance, and deception. But what if these stories were also unfolding in our backyards? Would you go out to watch? Join me for a front-row seat on a virtual Pollinator Safari. We’ll spy flirtatious forbs, sneaky mimics, and nectar robbers to name a few. You’ll come away charmed by the incredible world of pollinators hiding in plain sight and tips for how to take a safari of your own during the summer.
How to Convince Your Neighbor to Plant a Pollinator Garden
One of the best ways to help pollinators is by spreading the word to neighbors. However, strong aversions to insects can make even the most well-intentioned conversations fall flat. In this talk, you will learn Nick’s tips for how to engage people to welcome insects into their yards. He will unpack his approach to outreach and offer strategies for how to have accurate, approachable, and respectful conversations about insects with anyone. You’ll leave with clear action items for how to amplify your impact on local pollinator conservation through rhetoric.
Nick Dorian 