Conservation Conversations

Dates: Final Wednesday of each month in 2024
Virtual sessions: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET on Google Meet
Recordings available for registered participants upon request.
In-person sessions: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. ET (location: LFPL Branch Meeting Room unless otherwise notified)
Cost: FREE

Free Online Reservation

Connect with the Zoo as we critically explore a variety of environmental and conservation topics. Each month we will meet and discuss a conservation topic that falls under one of two larger environmental education themes, Global Climate Change and Ecology. Participants will receive background information and further learning resources for each topic and are invited to participate in a series of 60-minute discussions with Zoo educators. Each conversation will provide an overview of the topic, share connections with your Louisville Zoo, and give recommendations for further learning on the topic. Some conversations will focus on in-person book discussion related to the topic and others will feature virtual discussions and include guest experts! Join the conversation as we engage community members of all ages about topics that are affecting the way we live in Louisville and how people live around the globe.

Each session is designed to work with the others to increase participants comfort with and knowledge of conservation and natural science topics. Participants can register once and receive regular emails from the program coordinator updating them on meeting times, giving topic overviews, and providing further learning resources. There is no obligation to attend every meeting and participants can opt out of the email list at any time.

Registered participants will receive the opportunity to guide the conversation by sending in questions in advance, suggesting topics, and will receive access to recordings of the virtual sessions.

Field Science: This broad category of science covers any scientific work done outside the lab, anything from observing plant growth rates to geotagging tiger sharks and all kinds of jobs in between. Program sessions that fall under this topic will explore the variety of ways you can get involved with science (as a career or just for fun), what your Zoo and others are doing to contribute, and updates on places in our community doing active field work. To participate in all the discussions about “Field Science” register for March 22, July 26 and Nov. 15!

About this topic: Join the conversation for an overview of field science and a discussion about working in a STEM field as a woman, including the ways current professionals are reaching out to support the next generation.

Guest Speaker: Maddie Sutton — a graduate student at Marquette University studying ornithology and climate change with 10 years of field experience!

View previous discussion guides here!