EAT, DRINK & LEARN

2024-2025 Speaker Series

Join us for an evening of delicious food and drink, great company, and an engaging presentation!

Thursday, January 16: Birds & Brews 

Maryland Birds: Wonders and Woes 

How ‘bout dem O’s? …Ravens? What about our beloved bluebirds, owls and woodpeckers? A recent report found 30% of all North American birds have disappeared since 1970. Are Baltimore birds winning or losing? Join Irvine’s former Education Director Robert Mardiney for a look at the fascinating lives of our local birds, their outlook, and how we can we help.

Rob Mardiney,until his retirement in 2020, was the Director of Education at Irvine Nature Center. In addition to over-seeing the education department, he helped transition Irvine from a tiny nature center in Stevenson to the much larger organization it is today. With degrees in both Biology and Environmental Education, Rob was a Past-president of the Maryland Environmental Education Association, and he served on the Board of the Maryland Native Plant Society. Rob has taught adult Continuing Ed Courses at Hopkins and Towson Universities, and he was also the 2012 recipient of the Garden Club of America’s Award for Excellence in Environmental Education.

Time: 6:30-9:00 PM

Location: Irvine Nature Center

Price: $55 Members (Pacesetter Level or above) / $65 Non-Members