Who Wants to Talk Trees, Birds, Bugs & Beyond?
The our Speaker’s Bureau list has been yielding presenters for Arbor Row, but lately the offering has dried up —and we don’t want this wonderful nature-immersion program for seniors to stall.
They would love hearing about birds, trees, butterflies, gardens—pretty much anything with wings, petals, fur, or chlorophyll.
Do you have a favorite bird?
A funny backyard wildlife story?
A go-to native plant you can’t stop recommending.
A secret superpower for spotting foxes, frogs, or fungi.
If you said yes to any of the above… congratulations, you’re speaker material! No podiums, no pressure—just a friendly chat with a group of seniors who genuinely enjoy learning something new each month.
Presentations can be short, friendly, and conversational—perfect for an audience that loves learning and connecting.
Not sure what to talk about? We’ve built a menu of fun topics—birds, trees, pollinators, nature journaling, seasonal changes, backyard habitats, and more. Pick one you love and make it your own.
Offer a new one not included here:
Birds & Wildlife
● Backyard birds of Fairfax County
● Bird songs 101: recognizing calls in your neighborhood – introduce Merlin App
● Pollinators and why they matter (bees, butterflies, and moths)
● Urban wildlife: foxes, deer, squirrels, and other neighbors – cool/fun facts
● How to create wildlife-friendly habitats at home (just an idea as they will not be able to do so)
Trees & Forests
● Native trees of Northern Virginia
● How to identify common trees by leaves, bark, and shape – possible around their site. Do not know whether they have trees planted
● The importance of old trees and forest edges
● Invasive vines & plants: how they affect our local trees –
● Seasonal changes in our forests
● The story of Fairfax Tree Rescuers PRISM
Gardening & Native Plants
● Easy native plants for small yards and patios
● Shade vs. sun gardens: choosing the right plants
● Container gardening with natives
Environmental Stewardship
● How climate change is affecting our local ecosystems
● Everyday actions seniors can take to support nature
● How to recognize and report invasive species
● Citizen science opportunities for all ages
Nature Appreciation & Well-Being
● Nature journaling for relaxation and memory
● The healing power of spending time outdoors
● Mindful walks: slowing down to truly see nature
● Photography in your backyard or local parks.
If you’ve ever thought, “I could talk about that,” this is your moment. Let’s not let the program fizzle—let’s make it flourish!
Your voice, your stories, and your curiosity can brighten someone’s day.
If you’re interested (or even just curious), let the members of the outreach committee know:
Marilyn Parks MARILYNANNEPARKS@gmail.com, Kelly Gilbert kellyjo.gilbert@gmail.com, and/or Jo Doumbia 120411tigre@gmail.com
Arbor Row is waiting—and they can’t wait to learn from you!