Nationally Recognized Naturalist To Speak At UA

TUSCALOOSA, Ala.–Craig Tufts, chief naturalist of the National Wildlife Federation, will give a lecture and slide presentation, “Birds In Your Backyard,” Saturday, Nov. 4, at 11a.m. at the President’s Pavilion on The University of Alabama campus.

Proceeds will benefit the UA Arboretum.

“Tufts is one of the most respected naturalists in our country,” said Bev Vogt, owner of Wild Birds Unlimited of Northport. “We are so delighted to have him in Alabama for the first time. Tuft’s presentation is an excellent opportunity for Alabamians to learn more about our native birds and wildlife.”

A prolific advocate for wildlife habitat conservation, Tufts has hosted the Public Broadcasting Services series Birdwatch; Home and Garden’s Earth Day special, The Living Garden; and he has served as wildlife gardening specialists for PBS’s The Victory Garden. He has also appeared on Good Morning America, From a Country Garden, Cable News Network and QVC Network.

Admission is free and open to the public

Tufts, the National Wildlife Federation’s chief naturalist since 1976, is the author of The Backyard Naturalist. A habitat kit, including The Backyard Naturalist, will be on sale for $18.95 at the presentation. Tufts will be available to sign his book. Tufts is also co-author of The National Wildlife Federation Guide to Gardening With Wildlife.

The Arboretum is a 60-acre area designed for botanical education and appreciation. It is a part of the department of biological sciences in UA’s College of Arts and Sciences and is located in Tuscaloosa, at 15th Street and Loop Road, next to the UA golf course.

The College of Arts and Sciences is the state’s largest public liberal arts college and UA’s largest division with some 6,000 students and 320 faculty members.