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THE BAY COUNTY AUDUBON SOCIETY
Nature Connection 2026
our 4th Nature Connection
With Four Outstanding Nature Events
Dr. Douglas Tallamy
March 21, 2026
Dr. Douglas Tallamy, an entomologist, is much more than an insect expert. He is professor of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at The University of Delaware. He is a nationwide spokesperson promoting the use of native (local) plants instead of exotic species from other geographic areas thereby fighting invasive species which can displace local ecosystems. His presentation is entitled “Homegrown National Park”.
If everyone planted part of their yard with native plants, this area of millions of yards would be bigger than our National Parks! Doug’s big idea is to plant local species of flowers, bushes, and trees, which will attract and feed local insects, which will then nourish local caterpillars, bees, moths, butterflies, and birds as part of local natural ecosystems.
Dr. Tallamy in a natural landscape.
If your home has a yard, you need to hear Dr. Tallamy. He will discuss why and how you can change your yard into a natural landscape full of the web of life. Dr. Tallamy’s latest book is appropriately entitled “How Can I Help? Saving Nature with Your Yard”. Help him help us learn how to make our yards more nature friendly by attending his presentation on the morning of March 21 at the Captain Anderson’s Event Center, close to Captain Anderson’s Restaurant. We thank Sweetbay Chapter Florida Native Plant Society in Panama City and Sandhills Native Nursery in Fountain for assisting with bringing Dr. Tallamy’s message to our locale.
For Tickets To Doug Tallamy’s Presentation and related events
March 26 from 5–7 p.m.
Scott Rashid, Owlist and Watercolorist
GALLERY OF ART 850 Opening Reception
Scott Rashid, owl expert, portrayed below, will be hosted by the GALLERY OF ART 850 at an Opening Reception March 26 from 5 – 7 pm. Located at 36 West Beach Drive next to the Mary Ola Miller Palm Preserve, and partnering with Bay County Audubon Society, the Gallery will provide the perfect venue for nature lovers and art aficionados to grasp Scott’s unique blend of Cubism and Realism in a watercolor medium.
Living in Estes Park, Colorado, adjacent to Rocky Mountain National Park, Scott paints what is his life work – helping and protecting birds as a naturalist, author, rehabilitator, and bander, then portraying them in all their startling beauty in his inimitable style fusing layers of color into one essence of Bird. Don’t miss this remarkable showing which will continue through May 2, every Wednesday through Saturday from 11am – 5 pm, at the Gallery of Art 850. All of his works of art at this exhibition will be for sale.
March 27, 2026 5p.m.-7 p.m.
Everyone is invited to submit nature photos for an opportunity to participate in our exciting new “immersive” photo experience without charge. After opening night the display will continue at the Center for the Arts for visitors to see until late April. To enter scan the QR code on the poster.
Scott Rashid
March 28th
Scott Rashid an ornithologist is an Owl expert. Scott has spent over 30 years working as a researcher, state and federal licensed bird bander (approaching 20,000 bandings), licensed bird rehabilitator, lecturer, educator, and author of 7 books primarily about species of owls and other birds, such as the American Kestrel and Northern Goshawk. He will also an accomplished and he will exhibit his incredible watercolor nature art work while here.
Scott is an energetic and passionate Naturalist who has kindly consented to a number of presentations at schools and special small group activities throughout the week before his “Grand Finale” event at the Holley Center on the 28t. For a complete schedule check you emails or click here.
At the FSU Holley Center, in the evening of March 28 Scott will present a multi-media compilation of his formidable knowledge of owls and other birds from from three decades of field work, with videos, photos, anecdotes and owl box camera images.