Come enjoy a fascinating exploration of the remarkable lives and complex relationships of our common and not so common Appalachian wildlife. From orchid seeds, to hummingbird tongues and zombie ants, naturalist Luke Cannon shares insight and stories illuminating the intricate connections and wild adaptations that abound in the natural world around us.    

Presenter Bio: More than a botanist, Luke Cannon is a long time pursuer and teacher of our astounding natural world. Over the last twenty five years, Luke has instructed numerous nature connection programs and led thousands of classes, walks and workshops. An avid naturalist and storyteller, Luke blends his studies of deep-ecology with permaculture, animism, survival skills, homesteading, and experiential education. He has taught for the North Carolina Arboretum, Blue Ridge Audubon Society, Organic Growers School, Asheville Botanical Gardens, Asheville Mushroom Club, Wild Abundance, and Blue Ridge School of Herbal Medicine to name a few. In 2011 he founded Astounding Earth– dedicated to helping people deepen their relationships with our living planet, then co-founded the Sacred Naturalist School in 2020. Luke currently lives in the mountains of North Carolina studying and teaching Appalachian Ecology and leading nature connection courses and backpacking expeditions. He offers regular public walks, talks and classes to share his knowledge and love of wildlife and ecology. Find his niche in the web at: www.AstoundingEarth.com

The Village Green and Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust co-host this series of lectures each summer for visitors and residents to learn about wildlife, habitats, conservation, and local cultural heritage from expert speakers! See the full Village Nature Series Schedule here.

All of the Nature Series Programs, adult and youth, are FREE, family-friendly, held RAIN OR SHINE, and no reservations are required.

Thank you to Cedar Creek Club for sponsoring the Village Nature Series!