Nature Talks Series returns to Edson Fichter Nature Area
POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – The Edson Fichter Nature Area is welcoming back the beloved Nature Talks series to the newly improved amphitheater for the entire month of September. Every Wednesday night at 6 p.m. a different speaker will give a presentation on a different nature topic.
"This year isn't going to disappoint," said Jennifer Jackson, Regional Communications Manager for Idaho Fish and Game. "We have a variety of topics to appeal to everyone. If you love nature, the outdoors, even if you have a penchant for fossils, we've got something for you this year."
Some of the upcoming lecture topics include animal social behavior, the benefits of beaver to the ecosystem, the Pleistocene area as seen through the fossil record, and even a nature sketching night with a biological illustrator.
Some of the presenters will be from ISU and others from the Idaho Museum of Natural History, the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, Idaho Fish and Game and the Sagebrush Steppe Land Trust. The lectures are family-friendly and welcome people of all ages.
"There are so many wonderful ways to connect with the Edson Fichter Nature Area and learn a little bit more about the area and some of the wildlife and habitats in the valley," Jackson said.
If there is inclement weather, the nature area is located right next to Indian Hills Elementary School, and Jackson says the lecture will be moved there if weather becomes a problem.
Visitors are welcome to use the amphitheater seating or bring their own blankets and chairs. Jackson encourages everyone in the community to come out for the weekly events.
"Even if you're not particularly adventurous, maybe you don't like to go on big hikes or you don't like to go on a big river, you can still get some connections to those kinds of outdoor experiences, right here in a special place, literally in our own backyard," she said. "So just come on out for it for an evening connection. What a great way to kind of connect your mind and heart and even your soul to this beautiful place and the incredible amount of nature that abounds right here in Pocatello."
The amphitheater has been updated to be accessible for people of all abilities, with a wheelchair-friendly ramp. Jackson also mentioned the Friends of the Edson Fichter Nature Area Volunteer Group as an important piece of the nature talks project coming to life.
"They've been dedicated to sharing the nature area with the public and have helped with things like programing, fundraising and supporting us with volunteer efforts," Jackson said. "The final talk of September will actually be a celebration of this special group."
The final talk will include a falconer and a bird attending to entertain visitors. The first event on Wednesday, September 2, will be presented by returning guest Dr. Rosemary Smith from ISU about animal social behavior.
The nature talks series began as an idea six years ago, born from some of Edson's personal friends. One of those friends is Jane Streubel, a retired teacher and friend of Fichter.
"The most important thing to me is it's community bringing us all together to love nature, connect with nature, develop curiosity about nature," Streubel said. "It's healthy too because it helps physically, mentally and emotionally."
Streubel said the nature area is an excellent opportunity to sit, relax, and enjoy the wonders of wildlife in our backyards. The nature talks are a further way for the management and supporters of Edson Fichter to connect with the public.
