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CCI Lecture and Learning Cafe Series

Florida

Mature Red mangrove takes root along the shoreline of Blowing Rock's Preserve, offering protection and important habitat.
Mangrove Roots Mature mangroves take root along the shoreline, offering coastal protection and important habitat. © Ralph Pace
Event Overview

Join us for the Center for Conservation Initiatives (CCI) Lecture Series. From January to March, we are excited to welcome you to these in-person events at Blowing Rocks Preserve.

All lectures are FREE of charge and fill up quickly. Advance registration is required, and space is limited. Click the buttons below to register for each lecture you would like to attend.

All in-person lectures will take place 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Blowing Rocks Preserve.

We invite you to share these events with your friends, family and neighbors. We look forward to seeing you at the preserve!

*Starting in April 2026, CCI will be hosting a virtual Learning Cafe series that will be open to all and highlight regional conservation efforts and TNC priorities. Be sure to check back for more information.

Get In the Know with the Sea Turtle Protection Zone—1/28/26 with Meghan Boone (Loggerhead Marinelife Center)

Sea turtle unintended boat strikes have tripled in Florida since 1980, and nearly half of interactions occur in South Florida. Learn how the Sea Turtle Protection Zone uses public outreach, communication strategies and voluntary slow-speed recommendations to promote safer boating practices. Join us to learn how you can help prevent further sea turtle injuries!

Register for 1/28 Lecture

Bird Nerding 101: The Art and Fun of Backyard Birding—2/11/26 with Autumn Kioti Horne (Audubon Everglades)

Whether you are curious about birds or a full-blown bird nerd, join Audubon Everglades for a fun, inclusive look at birds, bird biology, conservation, identification and ethical bird-watching practices. Learn how to be a part of a global event, the Great Backyard Bird Count, to protect birds around the world by spending time in your favorite places watching birds and submitting your observations to scientists.

Register for 2/11 Lecture

Flames for the Future: Firewise Living and Conservation in Florida—2/25/26 with Amanda Thompson (Center for Conservation Initiatives)

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is the world’s leading nonprofit organization working on fire issues, including helping communities develop ways to live more safely with wildfire. Florida’s landscapes are full of plants that thrive with fire—come learn why that’s a good thing! Explore how fire-adapted species keep ecosystems healthy and what simple steps you can take to make your home Firewise.

Register for 2/25 Lecture

Learning the 3R's of Eastern Indigo Snake Recovery in North America—3/11/26 with Catherine Ricketts (TNC's Center for Conservation Initiatives)

Eastern indigo snakes used to roam widely across North Florida, but by the mid-1980s they were essentially gone from the landscape. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) recognized an opportunity to join in the restoration effort to bring the snake back to its historic range and bring balance to the ecosystem. Join this lecture to learn more about the breeding program and how you can support major milestones!

Register for 3/11 Lecture

Florida’s Water: Exploring Our Aquatic Heritage and Future—3/25/26 with Leslie Craig (TNC Florida)

WATER. The Florida “way of life” depends on it—economically, ecologically and for quality of life. All that we do on land affects our waters—from inland to offshore environments. Despite significant investments, many of our freshwater and estuary habitats continue to decline. So, what can we do? Join us to explore innovative approaches to improve the condition and function of this valuable resource.

Register for 3/25 Lecture

Privacy Notice

When attending an event, The Nature Conservancy may use your contact information to provide you with information about how you can help people and nature thrive. For more information about our privacy practices, including how to remove your information from our mailing list, please review our privacy policy.

Discover Blowing Rocks

Two hikers on a trail stop to observe the natural beauty at Tiger Creek Preserve.

TNC in Florida Center for Conservation Initiatives

The Center for Conservation Initiatives advances conservation through education, training, outreach, volunteerism, science, research and land stewardship.

Blowing Rocks Preserve in Florida

What Are the Blowing Rocks?

During winter storms and big high tides, the blowing rocks live up to their name. Waves slamming the craggy limestone force water up to 50 feet in the air at Blowing Rocks Preserve.

Sea turtle hatchling crawling toward the ocean from the beach.

Sea Turtles at Blowing Rocks Preserve

We have been working to protect sea turtles in Florida since the early 1980s. Our volunteers rescue turtles and hatchlings that get stranded on their way to the ocean.

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