Lunchtime Discovery Series

The NCDEQ Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs hosts a guest lecture series called the "Lunchtime Discovery," hosted and streamed with our partners at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences. Professionals from a wide range of environmental fields give presentations about their work and participate in a live moderated question and answer chat with viewers. 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 recorded 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. See archived talks from 2017 to 2024 on the menu to the right. 

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Graphic advertising the Earth Day lecture series in April
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Dr. Erika Young, Coastal and Marine Education Specialist NC Sea Grant
Adam Smith, Teacher, South Stanly Middle School
Cindy Martin, Montgomery County Early College
Dr. Kim Jones, Dean of Arts & Sciences, Brunswick Community College

Erika Young with NC Sea Grant partnered with Richard Neal, owner of Frying Pan Tower to provide the first immersive scientific research and education experience for five teachers on the famous Frying Pan Tower. Join us to learn how these teachers spent a week living on top of this former US Coast Guard Light Station, located in Frying Pan Shoals, 32 miles out in the ocean south of Bald Head Island.

April 23, 2025 @ Noon – 1:00 p.m. Eastern
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Teachers on the Tower Talk, April 23, 2025 at noon

 

David Lee, Natural Resources Director, Conserving Carolina
Lia Waldrum, Indigenous Partnership and Restoration Coordinator, Conserving Carolina

Join us to learn about Conserving Carolina’s innovative floodplain restoration projects along North Carolina’s French Broad River, focusing on their role in mitigating flood risks, improving biodiversity and enhancing water quality. Using real-world examples, such as the Pleasant Grove and Kings Bridge restorations, we’ll explore strategies to restore natural functions to floodplains and build resilience against extreme weather events like Tropical Storm Helene.

Wednesday, April 16 @ Noon – 1:00 p.m. Eastern
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graphic for Conserving Carolina's talk on April 16 at noon


 

Amanda Bratcher, Horticulture Agent, NC Cooperative Extension- Lee County Center

Let's explore the vital role of citizen scientists in pollinator conservation! Discover how North Carolinians have contributed to the Great Southeast Pollinator Census, gathering crucial data on local insect populations over the past two years. Learn about the diverse pollinators observed and the impact of community involvement. Beyond the census, we'll delve into other accessible citizen science projects, empowering you to actively participate in pollinator research and conservation.

Wednesday, April 2 @ Noon – 1:00 p.m. Eastern
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graphic advertising Amanda Bratcher's talk on April 2

 

Mariah Hughes, Executive Director, Mountain Valleys Resource Conservation and Development

In the face of devastation, we find strength-not just to endure, but to rebuild. Join us for an inside look at one woman’s journey through Hurricane Helene and the recovery efforts of her nonprofit, Mountain Valleys Resource Conservation and Development Council.
Along the way, we’ll meet other inspiring women in Marshall, North Carolina, who are rebuilding their lives and community. Through the lens of the council’s work, we’ll explore the pivotal role of natural resource management in fostering resilience to future disasters. This talk also offers a personal reflection on a career path in conservation.
Wednesday, March 26, 2025 @ Noon – 1:00 p.m. Eastern
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graphic for Mariah Hughes talk on March 26 at noon

Chrystal Regan, Executive Director, Tryon Palace

Tryon Palace was originally built between 1767 and 1770 as the first permanent capitol of the Colony of North Carolina and a home for the Royal Governor and his family. Today, this restored historic building and its grounds and gardens attract thousands of tourists, history buffs, and school children annually, but there’s much more to the story.
Join Tryon Palace Executive Director Chrystal Regan to learn the whole story of Tryon Palace from the Revolutionary War through the Civil War Era to today, including the African American history of the site and its connections to the culture of the region.
Wednesday, March 12, 2025 @ Noon – 1:00 p.m. Eastern
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graphic for Chrystal Regan's talk on March 12 at noon

 

Terri L. White, President and CEO of the Charlotte Museum of History
Terri White is a dedicated champion of the arts and humanities with a rich background that includes roles at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, the Heinz History Center, and the Carnegie Science Center. As the President and CEO of the Charlotte Museum of History, Terri brings a wealth of experience and insight into the intersection of history and science.
Join her for an engaging discussion on how STEM fields are revolutionizing historic preservation and museum interpretation. From the impacts of climate change to technologies like ground-penetrating radar to the innovative use of video game technology to enhance exhibit experiences, Terri will explore the many ways STEM is shaping the future of American museums and helping preserve our past.
Wednesday, March 5, 2025 @ Noon – 1:00 p.m. Eastern
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graphic for Terri White's talk on March 5 at noon

 

Earl L. Ijames, Curator, North Carolina Museum of History
Earl Ijames is the Curator of African American History and Agriculture at the North Carolina Museum of History and is also an Emmy Award-winning documentarian and USDA-licensed tree farmer. Join us as he shares his unique perspective on the longleaf pine ecosystem in our state’s history, including the story of Union General William T. Sherman’s march through the longleaf pine forest that once stretched from Georgia through South Carolina and into North Carolina.
Wednesday, February 26, 2025 @ Noon – 1:00 p.m. Eastern
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Graphic for Feb 26 talk by Earl Ijames for Black History Month

Kyleene Rooks, Park Manager, Walnut Creek Wetland Park
Join Kyleene Rooks to learn about the history of Southeast Raleigh and how a community of African American residents successfully advocated for their rights to access maintained green spaces, better water quality, and protections from their municipality. Learn about who and what inspired the creation of the Norman and Betty Camp Education Center and how the legacy of these great advocates continues in work happening throughout the city by their partners.

Wednesday, February 12, 2025 @ Noon – 1:00 p.m. Eastern
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graphic for Kyleene Rooks lunchtime discovery talk on Feb 12 at noon

The Roanoke Cooperative Sustainable Forestry and Land Retention Project works to restore and conserve threatened forest land by increasing the forest owners’ income and the value of the land. Join program director Alton Perry to learn more about this unique program that began as a partnership between the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the U.S. Forest Service and has since grown to include other state and federal agencies, the forest industry, academic institutions, and forestry and conservation organizations. Alton will discuss how the program started in seven counties that make up Roanoke Cooperative’s service area and is expanding in the region, and possibly the state. 
February 5, 2025 @ Noon – 1:00 p.m. Eastern
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Graphic for Alton Perry's talk on February 5, 2025 at noon

Laura White, Seasonal Park Ranger

Laura White is well-known in the North Carolina environmental education community and served as the supervisor of Stevens Nature Center at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve for 22 years. She has taught and mentored hundreds of students and environmental educators and continues to support young people in the field today. But her career didn’t end when she retired from the Town of Cary – Laura has continued to teach others about the environment by serving as a seasonal park ranger at National Parks. Laura will share some of her adventures and her photography. This will be a great talk for those who are just starting out in the field and for those nearing retirement and interested in “encore” career opportunities.

Wednesday, January 29 @ Noon – 1:00 p.m. Eastern
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Graphic for Laura White's talk on January 29, 2025 at noon


 

Jeffrey C. Beane, Collections Manager for Herpetology, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

Snakes are important components of North Carolina’s ecosystems. Jeff Beane, Herpetology Collection Manager with the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, will discuss basic snake biology as well as identification, natural history, ecology, distribution, and status of each of our state’s 38 species.

Wednesday, January 22 @ Noon – 1:00 p.m. Eastern
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Graphic for Tony Rice's talk on January 22, 2025


 

Tony Rice, NASA Ambassador

North Carolina has recently had the rare opportunity to enjoy the Northern Lights in our skies. Tony Rice joins us to explain why these opportunities to see the Aurora Borealis have presented themselves recently, what is required for the aurora to be visible this far south, and tips for seeing it. We’ll also explore the larger topic of space weather and its impact on satellites, astronaut health, and more.

Wednesday, January 8, 2025 @ Noon – 1:00 p.m. Eastern
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Tony Rice and the Aurora Borealis


 

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