Nature Speaker Series
Reiner Munguia
January 14
Nothing is more captivating to the human eye than hundreds of birds flying in unison, all with the same goal of reaching their final destination. Every year, birds from all over the world embark on a challenging round-trip journey between their summer breeding grounds and their winter retreat. What may appear as simple and natural is a very complicated process that starts with the bird's chemistry itself. From their physiological adaptations to their intricate navigational skills, how birds endure these long journeys is certainly more than a mere miracle. Join us as we explore how our feathered friends manage to survive these long flights and the dangers they face as they cross vast oceans or zigzag through challenging cities on their way south.
Reinier Munguia is a full-time naturalist and nature photo-grapher based in Lakeland, Florida. He serves as the President of the Lake Region Audubon Society and EagleWatch Volunteer
Coordinator. His work has appeared in various publications including books, magazines and scientific publications.
Gator Robb
January 21, 2026
Frank “Alligator” Robb has worked daily with crocodilians over the last 31 years. His extensive research is involved in studies of alligator endocrinology, toxicology, parasitology, cancer, vocalizations, lipids and more. He published two books and several papers. Currently, Frank has three major research projects on the space coast focused on wildlife and human health. Frank is an appointed member of the Crocodile Specialist Group and sits on the human Crocodile Conflict Board. He started a 501c3 non-profit called Environmental Education Awareness Research Support and Services (EEARSS.ORG) in 2019.
Frank spends time each year speaking about alligator and crocodile safety, and prides himself in trying to unite communities through education of this fascinating and misunderstood species.
Cheryl Merz
January 28, 2025
EagleWatch is a community science program made up of 750 volunteers monitoring more than 1,200 nests across Florida. To protect vulnerable raptors, EagleWatch volunteers work with local governments to safeguard nests in their communities while alerting the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to a potential new threat. Join us to learn about these fabulous raptors and the efforts underway to save them for future generations.
Jim Sawgrass
February 4, 2025
There were only about 30 Florida panthers remaining in the wild when they were included in the Endangered
Species Act in 1973. Panthers now number in the hundreds thanks to collaboration with private landowners and the purchase of property development rights through conservation easements. There is still much work to be done.
Shari Blisset Clark
February 11, 2025
Meet with us to hear Shari and explore the fascinating facts about the bats in your neighborhood! Learn about their superpowers, and discover the true value of these important mammals during this colorful media presentation by the Florida Bat Conservancy. The discussion will include simple steps anyone can take to encourage insect-gobbling bats in their neighborhood!
Shari is the President of the Florida Bat Conservancy and serves on the board of Bat Belfrys.
Dr. Robert Taylor
February 18, 2025
Dr. Bob Tayor, TGO resident, received his PhD in Zoology from the University of Florida. His dissertation was on the Reproductive Biology of the Gopher Tortoise. Gopher Tortoises are protected as a Threatened Species by the State of Florida and can only be handled by trained experts. Bob holds a permit from the state and works in cooperation with FWC and other organizations to save these tortoises. He was instrumental in setting up Tortoiseville, our TGO tortoise conservation habitat, and developed a detailed system for tracking and monitoring tortoises in our community. We’re fortunate to have him living in our community! Bob will share details about his tracking system, and share fascinating information about our burrowing TGO residents.
Tim Dellinger
February 25, 2025
Tim Dellinger is a wildlife biologist originally from western North Carolina. He holds a B.S. in Biology from Appalachian State University and an M.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries Resources from West Virginia University.
Since joining FWC, Tim focused primarily on long-term monitoring and research of Florida’s non-migratory whooping cranes, Florida sandhill cranes, Southeastern American kestrels, wood storks, and osprey genetics. His work blends field ecology and GPS telemetry with survival and habitat-use research to advance science-based conservation of Florida’s threatened resident bird species.