PHILADELPHIA, November 9, 2020

Independent of the election results, environmental issues still matter. In November and December, the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University will present a series of virtual events and workshops to help guide the community in a conversation about everyday choices that affect the health of the environment.

Academy Conversation: The Environment and the Election

Tuesday, Nov. 10, 3-4 p.m.

Free Virtual Event

Independent of the election results, environmental issues still matter. The panel will explore ways to understand how individual voices can help shape the upcoming administration’s impact on the world we share. The discussion will be moderated by Roland Wall, director of the Center for Environmental Policy at the Academy’s Patrick Center for Environmental Research. To register, visit https://bit.ly/38hfKtf

Panelists are:

• Jerry Fagliano, MPH, PhD, Associate Clinical Professor and Chair, Environmental and Occupational Health, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University
• David Velinsky, PhD, Department Head, Biodiversity, Earth, and Environmental Science Drexel University
• Susan Kilham, PhD, Emeritus Professor, Biodiversity, Earth, and Environmental Science, Drexel University
• Peter DeCarlo, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University

Ask the Scientists: How Kids Can Help the Planet

Saturday, Nov. 14, 10-10:30 a.m.

Free Virtual Event

Kids’ voices matter! Kids and families can play a big role in supporting a cleaner, greener, better place for us all to live. Let’s get together to brainstorm ways that kids can have an impact on their communities, from small actions at home like turning off the lights to big changes like researching environmental issues and getting involved. Talk to scientists and experts about what’s next for the planet and how we can all pitch in to create a sustainable future. This program is best suited for kids ages 8-11.

The discussion will be moderated by Mary Bailey, Academy Youth and Family Programs Developer. The scientist panel features Roland Wall, director of the Center for Environmental Policy at the Academy’s Patrick Center for Environmental Research and Kathryn Longwill, Academy Environmental Scientist. To register, visit https://bit.ly/38o5oYN

“Return to the Darhad”: A World Premiere

Tuesday, Nov. 17, 8-9 p.m.

Virtual Event. Tickets: $12-$15

Journey to the Darhad Basin in north-central Mongolia — one of the most remote, beautiful and inaccessible places in Central Asia. Since the collapse of Mongolia’s Communist government in 1990, Academy Senior Fellow Robert McCracken Peck has traveled to the area seven times to document the cultural, economic and changing environmental conditions that affect the nomadic people who live there.

“Return to the Darhad” is a documentary film that explores Mongolia’s rugged beauty and chronicles Peck’s efforts to record continuity and change. In addition to Peck’s travels, Academy scientists have been studying climate change in Mongolia for decades.

Following the world premiere of “Return to the Darhad,” Peck will share new behind-the-scenes stories of his explorations in Mongolia and lead an interactive Q&A with the audience. To register, visit https://bit.ly/3exGnuZ

Sustainability at Work Panel

Wednesday, Nov. 18

5:30-6:30 p.m.

Free Virtual Event

At this panel discussion, find out how the Environmental and Sustainability Network of Drexel University alumni and Academy of Natural Sciences members integrate sustainability into their professional and personal lives. Learn about how chocolate, green-stormwater management, watersheds, and engineering intersect with sustainability practices. A Q&A will follow the panel. To register, visit https://bit.ly/3p6kFTG

The Environmental and Sustainability Network is an affinity group of Drexel University and the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University which provides social opportunities, convenes critical conversations about our natural world and shares how to make changes in our community. Click here to learn more about The Environmental and Sustainability Network.

Small Actions Spark Big Changes Workshop Series

Dec. 1, 5, 8, 15, 19, 22

Free Virtual Workshops

You can make our planet more sustainable. As part of the Academy of Natural Sciences’ Small Actions Spark Big Changes initiative, the Academy is hosting a series of practical workshops for those who wish to make a difference in their communities. Participants will learn how to start a rain garden, protect pollinators, become a community scientist, and more. Explore the events below and register to receive the event link for each workshop.

Spark Change: Native Flowers and Grasses

Tuesday, Dec. 1, 4 p.m.

Free Virtual Event

Whether you tend to a patio garden of container plants or plan to grow a meadow, you can encourage biodiversity by providing the right native plants to feed and protect insects and small animals. To register, visit https://bit.ly/2Gz2k0e

Small Actions for Kids: Growing Great

Saturday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m.

Did you know the plants you grow in your outdoor space provide a home and food for insects and other animals? Join Academy educators and scientists to learn how you can take small actions to spark big changes in your community! This event is developed for children and their families, but all are welcome to make positive changes for a healthier planet.

Registration coming; visit https://bit.ly/3mR1ewq

Spark Change: Rain Gardens and Rain Barrels

Tuesday, Dec. 8, 4 p.m.

Stormwater runoff can rush nitrogen and phosphorus pollutants from our yards into our waterways. Talk with the experts and learn practical steps you can take to mitigate this serious problem and protect our drinking water and the living things that rely on healthy ecosystems. To register, visit https://bit.ly/2GAoMpV

Spark Change: Bee Hotels and Bat Houses

Tuesday, Dec. 15, 4 p.m.

Explore the benefits provided by pollinators like bees and bats. Talk with the experts and learn practical steps you can take to encourage more pollinators in your area. You may even dust off your tools and create something amazing for these vulnerable creatures. To register, visit https://bit.ly/352aQyc

Small Actions for Kids: Protecting Pollinators

Saturday, Dec. 19, 10 a.m.

Pollinators like bees, butterflies and bats are a really important part of our community. Join the Academy for a story time to explore these wonderful creatures and talk with the experts to learn what you can do to protect them. This event is developed for children and their families, but all are welcome to make positive changes for a healthier planet. Registration coming; visit https://bit.ly/3mR1ewq

Spark Change: Become a Creek Watcher

Tuesday, Dec. 22, 4 p.m.