Adult lecture series

Starting in January 2024, we invite you to join us on the first Wednesday of each month from 5:30pm-7:00pm to grab a glass or wine/beer and listen to expert speakers from all over San Diego talk about different aspects of nature and wildlife in California!

No need to RSVP.

Members of any level : Free

Non-members: $10 per person and includes beer/wine and speaker presentation

January 3rd, 2024
Reptiles and Amphibians in North County San Diego

Join AHLF's own Samantha Passovoy for our first Adult Lecture of 2024 all about the most commonly seen reptiles and amphibians found in the Carlsbad area, including in and around the Agua Hedionda Lagoon. Live animal ambassadors will be present for guests to meet up close and even touch or hold! Samantha Passovoy has been involved in wildlife education for almost 20 years. In her previous career as a zookeeper and wildlife educator she has trained animals for movies and television, visited schools and libraries with live animals to do educational presentations, worked as a wildlife care specialist and behaviorist at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and served as an adjunct professor focusing on wildlife education. Currently she is the Director of the Discovery Center here at the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation, in addition to acting as the Outreach Coordinator for the San Diego Herpetological Society. She hopes to inspire her community to care for all of the plants and animals that surround them.

Just before The Great Backyard Bird Count, join us on February 7th from 5:30pm-7:00pm to learn all about Carlsbad Native Birds led by local birder Rick Grove. Rick has a bachelor's degree in biology and economics, as well as a master's degree in education, and has been an avid bird watcher since 1983. Additionally, he is a member of the San Diego Field Ornithologists. In 2015, he observed an outstanding 300 species of birds in San Diego alone! 

March 6th, 2024

Caulerpa Taxifolia

Come join us to celebrate World Water Day (March 22nd) and learn more about Caulerpa taxifolia or "killer algae." Caulerpa taxifolia is a dangerously invasive seaweed that has devastating effects on marine ecology. It is extremely fast growing and if allowed to become permanently established can destroy and replace coastal marine life such as kelp forests which are home to a wide variety of fish, marine mammals and seabirds. Large areas of the Mediterranean Sea and several sites along the eastern Australian coastline already have been tragically and irreversibly affected.

Presenting sponsor: Leucadia Wastewater

April 3rd, 2024

Talk with Trees

Celebrate Arbor Day and Earth Month with us and enjoy a "Talk With Trees" presentation from a local naturalist Anne Spindel. Anne has taught with our Academy of Environmental Stewardship and is our "edutainer" for our third grade Honor the Future program! "Talk With Trees" will delve into the important factors about nature that is living and growing all around us and our relationship with the natural world. 

May 1st, 2024

Native Milkweed of San Diego North County

Springtime means planning and planting your pollinator gardens. Come by and learn all about the "Native Milkweeds of San Deigo County" with Ken Abernathy of Caterpillar Chow. Caterpillar Chow works with nonprofits and other agencies to put milkweed habitat back into the wild as well as our urban sprawl. They want to help make sure the decline of the monarch is halted and permanently prevented by harnessing the power of people who care to help put policies in place that protect our natural ecology. Native Milkweed will be available for purchase! 

May 22, 2024

Meet A California Love Story Author, John Thill

Come by and learn about the rich history of our region with Author John Thill! John recently published A California Love Story: A collection of letters written between 1925 and 1927. The book colorfully illustrates the heavenly courtship of John's grandparents Ray and Dora Wilcox after Ray was forced westward to find work. When John Thill traveled to Kansas and Oklahoma to research the couple’s origins, he found their cross-country postcards and extensive letters collaborating on their future together in California the most charming and entertaining example of how they revived each other through their mutual promises. Their letters offer a poignant testament to long-distance love and a heartfelt glimpse into the lives of these two unique individuals. Along Ray's journey he met and became friends with the Kelly Family, who donated the land at the Agua Hediona Lagoon Foundation. Join us to listen to excerpts from A California Love Story and hear stories from John Thill. Copies of A California Love Story will be available for purchase.

June 5th, 2024

The Eradication of Caulerpa Taxifolia in the Agua Hedionda Lagoon

Join us as we hear Eric Munoz's story of the eradication of "Killer Algae" form the Agua Hedionda Lagoon. Caulerpa Taxifolia was first found in the Agua Hedionda Lagoon in the summer of 2000, it took many decisive people to work together to win out over the silent invasion of Caulerpa Taxifolia. The entire community was brought together and rallied by Eric Munoz, whose love of the ocean, devotion to the environment and passion for people caused him to be the center of this success story. In 2006, Caulerpa Taxifolia was declared eradicated from the Agua Hedionda Lagoon, becoming the only successful eradication. Eric Munoz was also a dedicated board member for AHLF for 11 years! 

July 10, 2024

San Diego Shell Club ~ Current Research Regarding Seashells in the Agua Hedionda Lagoon

Come by and learn from Paul Tuskes who studies the marine snails and clams of southern California.  He will be talking about the species you would expect to find in Agua Hedionda Lagoon and their biology. Within the lagoon, there are a variety of marine habitats that influence species composition and abundance.

Changes in species composition and abundance typically reflect changes in the habitat.  Such changes can be detrimental to some species and have a positive influence on others.  Based on recent surveys, you will hear about some changes that have been documented.  What might rising sea levels and temperatures influence the marine inhabitants of the Lagoon?

August 7, 2024

To Be Announced

September 4, 2024

To Be Announced

October 6, 2024

Bat Chat

Bats play a vital role in ecosystems around the world, including here in southern California, but most people know very little about these tiny, winged wonders. San Diego Humane Society/Project Wildlife speaker Cindy Myers has been volunteering as a bat advocate for 22 years and will share her knowledge of our local bat species and their habitats. View a quick demo on bat anatomy and learn about safety around wild mammals. Most bats eat insect pests such as mosquitoes for a living, and all possess amazing flight and navigation abilities. Bats are fascinating and important, but they need our help. Join us to learn why!

November 6, 2024

To Be Announced