Videos and Livestreams - Lunchtime Lecture Series The NCDEQ Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs hosts a guest lecture series called the Lunchtime Discovery Series, hosted and streamed with our partners at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences. Professionals from a wide range of environmental backgrounds come and give presentations about their work and offer an opportunity for attendees to learn about a variety of subjects during the lunch hour. Topics range from spider diversity in North Carolina to Geographic Information Systems (GIS), to how to incorporate music in environmental education programming. The are several taped presentations on a wide variety of environmental topics that can be used in the classroom to supplement existing lessons on ecosystems, natural resources, and North Carolina history. You can sign up for weekly email notifications about upcoming lectures! Contact an office staff member if you have trouble subscribing. Are Toxic Cyanobacteria in the Air We Breathe? Haley Elizabeth Plaas, PhD Student, Environmental Science and Engineering, UNC Institute of Marine Sciences The increase of harmful cyanobacterial blooms in the Chowan River/Albemarle Sound estuary poses a growing threat to human and animal health. Over the past several summers, blooms there have been linked to occurrences of alarmingly high concentrations of microcystin, a potent liver toxin. In the summer of 2020, Haley, in collaboration with researchers from UNC-CH, UNC-IMS, NC State, and the Chowan Edenton Environmental Group, led a field campaign to quantify cyanobacterial DNA and toxins in aerosol and water samples of the Chowan River. Tune in to learn more about their findings and the environmental factors that may influence this potential route of human exposure to cyanobacteria. Live Virtual Presentation hosted by N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences Daily Planet Curator, Chris Smith, and the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs staff Wednesday, March 31, 2021 @ Noon – 1:00 p.m. EDT WATCH THIS TALK Opportunities in Natural Resource Careers: Amazing Women Doing Amazing Things Dr. Zakiya H. Leggett, Assistant Professor, Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, North Carolina State University Dr. Zakiya Leggett will share her journey in natural resources and discuss opportunities and career options in her field. She will not only share about her journey but will also highlight some amazing women in the field of natural resources. Join us to be inspired, encouraged and maybe even entertained! Live Virtual Presentation hosted by N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences Daily Planet Curator, Chris Smith, and the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs staff Wednesday, March 24, 2021 @ Noon – 1:00 p.m. EDT WATCH THIS TALK Head In The Clouds, Eyes On Space Candice Jordan, Planetarium Administrator and Meteorologist, The Schiele Museum of Natural History's James H. Lynn Planetarium What’s one thing that every person, plant, and animal on the planet has in common? We all experience weather. Join Candice Jordan as she combines her two passions of atmospheric sciences and astronomy to talk about the weather here on Earth and elsewhere in the solar system. You cirrus-ly don’t want to miss this larger-than-life presentation… Sirius-ly. Live Virtual Presentation hosted by N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences Daily Planet Curator, Chris Smith, and the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs staff Wednesday, March 17, 2021 @ Noon – 1:00 p.m. EDT WATCH THIS TALK: All About Hellbenders! Lori Williams, Wildlife Diversity Biologist, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Join Lori Williams for a dive into Hellbender biology and ecology, including rare underwater videos of Hellbender behavior. Lori will explore the challenges this species faces and share information on conservation programs and how you can help with these efforts. Live Virtual Presentation hosted by N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences Daily Planet Curator, Chris Smith, and the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs staff March 10, 2021 @ Noon – 1:00 p.m. EDT WATCH THIS TALK: Adventuring with Educators: Experiential Learning in Nature Melissa Dowland, Coordinator of Teacher Education, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences In her position at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences, Melissa Dowland has the privilege of sharing remarkable natural areas with North Carolina educators. Join us for a talk about why hanging out with teachers is awesome and get ideas about where and how to explore the natural world in North Carolina and beyond. Live Virtual Presentation hosted by N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences Daily Planet Curator, Chris Smith, and the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs staff Wednesday, March 3, 2021 @ Noon – 1:00 p.m. EDT WATCH THIS TALK: Coloring the Conservation Conversation Dr. Drew Lanham, Alumni Distinguished Professor of Wildlife Ecology, Master Teacher and Certified Wildlife Biologist, Clemson University Lanham will discuss what it means to embrace the full breadth of his African-American heritage and his deep kinship to nature and adoration of birds. The convergence of ornithologist, college professor, poet, author and conservation activist blend to bring our awareness of the natural world and our moral responsibility for it forward in new ways. Candid by nature — and because of it — Lanham will examine how conservation must be a rigorous science and evocative art, inviting diversity and race to play active roles in celebrating our natural world. Special Introduction by Andrew Hutson, Executive Director, Audubon North Carolina Live Virtual Presentation hosted by N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences Daily Planet Curator, Chris Smith, and the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs staff Today @ Noon – 1:00 p.m. EDT " WATCH THIS TALK Analyzing the Effects of Urban Noise and Light Pollution on Birds Lauren Pharr, Master of Science Candidate at North Carolina State University in Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology With more people moving into urban areas every day, anthropogenic (human-produced) sources of noise and light are having a drastic effect on wildlife. Birds have been particularly useful to study when looking at these urbanization effects, specifically, urban noise and light pollution. Join Lauren Pharr for a discussion of how urbanization continues to affect local bird species. Live Virtual Presentation hosted by N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences Daily Planet Curator, Chris Smith, and the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs staff Today @ Noon – 1:00 p.m. EST WATCH THIS TALK Equitable Resilience: Developing Solutions to Environmental Justice Problems in Southeast Raleigh Dr. Louie Rivers, Associate Professor, Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, North Carolina State University What would you do if your basement flooded every time a heavy rain came? Many residents in the Walnut Creek Watershed routinely contend with nuisance flooding. Dr. Louie Rivers will discuss how he has worked with communities in Southeast Raleigh on problems related to stormwater flooding and how these problems are connected to larger issues of environmental justice in North Carolina. He will highlight successful efforts to address these issues through research and partnerships. Live Virtual Presentation hosted by N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences Daily Planet Curator, Chris Smith, and the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs staff. Today @ Noon – 1:00 p.m. EDT WATCH THIS TALK The Integration of Environmental Justice in Environmental Education Programs Tatiana Height, Doctoral Candidate at North Carolina State University in Agricultural and Extension Education As environmental racism and environmental injustice continue to be pervasive issues in North Carolina and around the world, it is important that environmental education integrate this subject matter into programs and curricula. This session will describe techniques for such integration and will describe two upcoming programs that will use these techniques. Live Virtual Presentation hosted by N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences Daily Planet Curator, Chris Smith, and the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs staff Februrary 3, 2021 @ Noon – 1:00 p.m. EDT WATCH THIS TALK Chimney Rock – A Journey Through Time Kat Scala, Education Specialist, Chimney Rock Management, LLC, Stephen Tillotson, Park Ranger, Chimney Rock State Park and Todd Morse, Former Owner of Chimney Rock In 1902, Dr. Lucius Morse had a vision for a park that was accessible to all. He believed everyone should have the opportunity to behold the breathtaking views of the Hickory Nut Gorge. Watch his dream become reality as we journey through the history of a family business that eventually becomes a jewel of the North Carolina State Park system. Live Virtual Presentation hosted by N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences Daily Planet Curator, Chris Smith, and the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs staff Wednesday, January 27, 2021 @ Noon – 1:00 p.m. EDT WATCH THIS TALK The View from Mount Mitchell The View From Mount Mitchell - Photographing Southern Appalachia's Rarest Species - and the People Working to Save Them Gary Peeples, Deputy Field Office Supervisor/Public Affairs Officer, Asheville Field Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, South Atlantic/Gulf Region For nearly two decades, Gary has been a public affairs officer with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Part of his job includes telling the story of some of Appalachia's rarest plants and animals and efforts to conserve them. Over the years, he has helped look for rare spiders on the shoulder of Mount Mitchell and snails found only in the Nantahala River Gorge. Along the way, he has photographed not only the species, but the endangered species and the biologists working to save these creatures from extinction. Live virtual presentation hosted by the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences Daily Planet Curator, Chris Smith, and the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs Staff. Wednesday, January 13, @ Noon - 1:00 p.m. EDT WATCH THIS TALK (Note: the sound on this talk improves 18 minutes into the video. You may need headphones to listen to the first portion). First in Hikes Jerry Reynolds, Head of Outreach, NC Museum of Natural Sciences Join Jerry on a virtual visit to his favorite North Carolina State Parks for hiking. There are thirty-four state parks, plus seven natural and recreational areas available for your exploration. Make your own list of favorites as we visit these wonderful natural areas and learn why these are his first choices. Live Virtual Presentation hosted by N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences Daily Planet Curator, Chris Smith, and the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs staff Today @ Noon – 1:00 p.m. EDT WATCH THIS TALK
Videos and Livestreams - Lunchtime Lecture Series The NCDEQ Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs hosts a guest lecture series called the Lunchtime Discovery Series, hosted and streamed with our partners at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences. Professionals from a wide range of environmental backgrounds come and give presentations about their work and offer an opportunity for attendees to learn about a variety of subjects during the lunch hour. Topics range from spider diversity in North Carolina to Geographic Information Systems (GIS), to how to incorporate music in environmental education programming. The are several taped presentations on a wide variety of environmental topics that can be used in the classroom to supplement existing lessons on ecosystems, natural resources, and North Carolina history. You can sign up for weekly email notifications about upcoming lectures! Contact an office staff member if you have trouble subscribing. Are Toxic Cyanobacteria in the Air We Breathe? Haley Elizabeth Plaas, PhD Student, Environmental Science and Engineering, UNC Institute of Marine Sciences The increase of harmful cyanobacterial blooms in the Chowan River/Albemarle Sound estuary poses a growing threat to human and animal health. Over the past several summers, blooms there have been linked to occurrences of alarmingly high concentrations of microcystin, a potent liver toxin. In the summer of 2020, Haley, in collaboration with researchers from UNC-CH, UNC-IMS, NC State, and the Chowan Edenton Environmental Group, led a field campaign to quantify cyanobacterial DNA and toxins in aerosol and water samples of the Chowan River. Tune in to learn more about their findings and the environmental factors that may influence this potential route of human exposure to cyanobacteria. Live Virtual Presentation hosted by N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences Daily Planet Curator, Chris Smith, and the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs staff Wednesday, March 31, 2021 @ Noon – 1:00 p.m. EDT WATCH THIS TALK Opportunities in Natural Resource Careers: Amazing Women Doing Amazing Things Dr. Zakiya H. Leggett, Assistant Professor, Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, North Carolina State University Dr. Zakiya Leggett will share her journey in natural resources and discuss opportunities and career options in her field. She will not only share about her journey but will also highlight some amazing women in the field of natural resources. Join us to be inspired, encouraged and maybe even entertained! Live Virtual Presentation hosted by N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences Daily Planet Curator, Chris Smith, and the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs staff Wednesday, March 24, 2021 @ Noon – 1:00 p.m. EDT WATCH THIS TALK Head In The Clouds, Eyes On Space Candice Jordan, Planetarium Administrator and Meteorologist, The Schiele Museum of Natural History's James H. Lynn Planetarium What’s one thing that every person, plant, and animal on the planet has in common? We all experience weather. Join Candice Jordan as she combines her two passions of atmospheric sciences and astronomy to talk about the weather here on Earth and elsewhere in the solar system. You cirrus-ly don’t want to miss this larger-than-life presentation… Sirius-ly. Live Virtual Presentation hosted by N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences Daily Planet Curator, Chris Smith, and the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs staff Wednesday, March 17, 2021 @ Noon – 1:00 p.m. EDT WATCH THIS TALK: All About Hellbenders! Lori Williams, Wildlife Diversity Biologist, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Join Lori Williams for a dive into Hellbender biology and ecology, including rare underwater videos of Hellbender behavior. Lori will explore the challenges this species faces and share information on conservation programs and how you can help with these efforts. Live Virtual Presentation hosted by N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences Daily Planet Curator, Chris Smith, and the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs staff March 10, 2021 @ Noon – 1:00 p.m. EDT WATCH THIS TALK: Adventuring with Educators: Experiential Learning in Nature Melissa Dowland, Coordinator of Teacher Education, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences In her position at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences, Melissa Dowland has the privilege of sharing remarkable natural areas with North Carolina educators. Join us for a talk about why hanging out with teachers is awesome and get ideas about where and how to explore the natural world in North Carolina and beyond. Live Virtual Presentation hosted by N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences Daily Planet Curator, Chris Smith, and the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs staff Wednesday, March 3, 2021 @ Noon – 1:00 p.m. EDT WATCH THIS TALK: Coloring the Conservation Conversation Dr. Drew Lanham, Alumni Distinguished Professor of Wildlife Ecology, Master Teacher and Certified Wildlife Biologist, Clemson University Lanham will discuss what it means to embrace the full breadth of his African-American heritage and his deep kinship to nature and adoration of birds. The convergence of ornithologist, college professor, poet, author and conservation activist blend to bring our awareness of the natural world and our moral responsibility for it forward in new ways. Candid by nature — and because of it — Lanham will examine how conservation must be a rigorous science and evocative art, inviting diversity and race to play active roles in celebrating our natural world. Special Introduction by Andrew Hutson, Executive Director, Audubon North Carolina Live Virtual Presentation hosted by N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences Daily Planet Curator, Chris Smith, and the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs staff Today @ Noon – 1:00 p.m. EDT " WATCH THIS TALK Analyzing the Effects of Urban Noise and Light Pollution on Birds Lauren Pharr, Master of Science Candidate at North Carolina State University in Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology With more people moving into urban areas every day, anthropogenic (human-produced) sources of noise and light are having a drastic effect on wildlife. Birds have been particularly useful to study when looking at these urbanization effects, specifically, urban noise and light pollution. Join Lauren Pharr for a discussion of how urbanization continues to affect local bird species. Live Virtual Presentation hosted by N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences Daily Planet Curator, Chris Smith, and the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs staff Today @ Noon – 1:00 p.m. EST WATCH THIS TALK Equitable Resilience: Developing Solutions to Environmental Justice Problems in Southeast Raleigh Dr. Louie Rivers, Associate Professor, Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, North Carolina State University What would you do if your basement flooded every time a heavy rain came? Many residents in the Walnut Creek Watershed routinely contend with nuisance flooding. Dr. Louie Rivers will discuss how he has worked with communities in Southeast Raleigh on problems related to stormwater flooding and how these problems are connected to larger issues of environmental justice in North Carolina. He will highlight successful efforts to address these issues through research and partnerships. Live Virtual Presentation hosted by N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences Daily Planet Curator, Chris Smith, and the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs staff. Today @ Noon – 1:00 p.m. EDT WATCH THIS TALK The Integration of Environmental Justice in Environmental Education Programs Tatiana Height, Doctoral Candidate at North Carolina State University in Agricultural and Extension Education As environmental racism and environmental injustice continue to be pervasive issues in North Carolina and around the world, it is important that environmental education integrate this subject matter into programs and curricula. This session will describe techniques for such integration and will describe two upcoming programs that will use these techniques. Live Virtual Presentation hosted by N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences Daily Planet Curator, Chris Smith, and the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs staff Februrary 3, 2021 @ Noon – 1:00 p.m. EDT WATCH THIS TALK Chimney Rock – A Journey Through Time Kat Scala, Education Specialist, Chimney Rock Management, LLC, Stephen Tillotson, Park Ranger, Chimney Rock State Park and Todd Morse, Former Owner of Chimney Rock In 1902, Dr. Lucius Morse had a vision for a park that was accessible to all. He believed everyone should have the opportunity to behold the breathtaking views of the Hickory Nut Gorge. Watch his dream become reality as we journey through the history of a family business that eventually becomes a jewel of the North Carolina State Park system. Live Virtual Presentation hosted by N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences Daily Planet Curator, Chris Smith, and the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs staff Wednesday, January 27, 2021 @ Noon – 1:00 p.m. EDT WATCH THIS TALK The View from Mount Mitchell The View From Mount Mitchell - Photographing Southern Appalachia's Rarest Species - and the People Working to Save Them Gary Peeples, Deputy Field Office Supervisor/Public Affairs Officer, Asheville Field Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, South Atlantic/Gulf Region For nearly two decades, Gary has been a public affairs officer with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Part of his job includes telling the story of some of Appalachia's rarest plants and animals and efforts to conserve them. Over the years, he has helped look for rare spiders on the shoulder of Mount Mitchell and snails found only in the Nantahala River Gorge. Along the way, he has photographed not only the species, but the endangered species and the biologists working to save these creatures from extinction. Live virtual presentation hosted by the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences Daily Planet Curator, Chris Smith, and the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs Staff. Wednesday, January 13, @ Noon - 1:00 p.m. EDT WATCH THIS TALK (Note: the sound on this talk improves 18 minutes into the video. You may need headphones to listen to the first portion). First in Hikes Jerry Reynolds, Head of Outreach, NC Museum of Natural Sciences Join Jerry on a virtual visit to his favorite North Carolina State Parks for hiking. There are thirty-four state parks, plus seven natural and recreational areas available for your exploration. Make your own list of favorites as we visit these wonderful natural areas and learn why these are his first choices. Live Virtual Presentation hosted by N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences Daily Planet Curator, Chris Smith, and the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs staff Today @ Noon – 1:00 p.m. EDT WATCH THIS TALK
