In Vancouver at least… spring has come out to tease us with a few blessed sunny days and flowers budding along the sidewalks. Along with the prospect of spring comes the anticipation of Woody Wheeler’s next speaking engagement at where else– his old stomping grounds in Bellingham, WA–where Mr. Wheeler attended Western Washington University, and holds degrees in both Environmental Studies and Geography.
This April, Influence author Woody Wheeler will be returning to Bellingham to give a talk about his bestselling book, Look Up! Birds and Other Natural Wonders Just Outside Your Window, a collection of well-researched essays that were developed after years of experience as a naturalist educator, tour guide and avid conservationist.
The event begins at 7:00 pm on April 15th, and will be hosted at Village Books, an independent bookstore dubbed the “Community Bookshop for Browsing” in the historic part of Washington State. The typical format of Mr. Wheeler’s book events are a reading of five to six of his short essays, accompanied with a customized slideshow of the stunning photographs he’s collected from colleagues and travels over the years. Mr. Wheeler explains, ” my images are a big part of the book– to help get people in the mood–to illustrate the variety of birds from around the world, and of course to enhance the reading!”
Mr. Wheeler hinted he might read some of his “edgier” essays that touch on the politics of science, and is excited to return to this area of Washington; Huxley College at Western has been widely recognized as one the pioneers of environmental studies. The politics of science is also a timely discussion as online buzz continues to circulate around the cover of National Geographic’s March 2015 issue, “The War on Science.”
As Jeff Parsons, former director of the Wenatchee River Institute, describes Mr. Wheeler’s writing: “Woody always does such a great job of introducing people to birding and inspiring them to make it a part of their lives.” Indeed, Look Up! has become a seminal book that connects other readers who might not be a member of the Audubon Society–but have interest in the natural world. Mr. Wheeler’s enthusiasm is seriously contagious; whether on his podcast or chatting on the phone, he hopes that audience members can leave with an appreciation for the incredible planet we inhabit. He clarified:”I hope they go out into their own backyards and tune into nature; I hope they realize that it’s really one of the greatest things in life–and from that love of nature will come a desire to conserve it, to be a steward to our world. And really, it makes you happier.”
“People who care, conserve, people who don’t know, don’t care.” — Naturalist/Writer Robert Michael Pyle.
For more details on the Mr. Wheeler’s return to Bellingham, and where you might be able to purchase his book Look Up! click here, find his author page, or contact Mr. Wheeler directly at: woody.wheeler@gmail.com.
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