The Desert Botanical Garden is bringing renowned scientist and wild-nature advocate Dr. Wallace “J.” Nichols to the Garden for a luncheon on February 9 to spark conversation about the greatest love story ever told¬—our love of the natural world. Nichols’ talk, You on Nature, will focus on how experiencing and connecting with the beauty, wonder, and inspiration of the Sonoran Desert transforms our lives—making us happier, healthier, better at what we do.  

The program's featured speaker is J. Nichols, renowned Conservation Scientist and activist. He has appeared in hundreds of print, film and radio and television media outlets including NPR, BBC, PBS, National Geographic, Time, Newsweek and Outside magazine. While Nichols career and passion has focused on ocean conservation, his recent work has made him a pioneer in the green world; combining environmental activism with neuroscience in a field he calls “neuro-conservation”. "The logic is ripe with possibility; by including the cognitive benefits of nature in the broader discussion of ecosystem services and wildlife conservation, a more complete picture is generated where the interests of humans and nature are aligned and intertwined. With this connection, conservation is the meaningful course of action, for everyone involved," says Nichols.

Nichols' first true love is the ocean. But while completing his Ph.D. in Wildlife Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Arizona, he also fell in love with the desert. His talk will focus on how the beauty, wonder and inspiration of the Sonoran Desert enriches each of our lives, and the innate need that each of us has to feel connected to the natural world. 

Proceeds from the luncheon will support the Central Arizona Conservation Alliance (CAZCA), a Garden led collaboration of 50 partnering organizations to study, protect and promote the Valley's treasured desert mountain parks . Part of The Saguaro Initiative, the Garden's current strategic plan, this project is fulfilling the Garden's objective to elevate efforts that conserve and enhance open space for ecological, economic, and social benefits to our region. 

Please consider hosting a table or reserving seats. Making reservations as early as possible is encouraged as seating is limited. Tickets are $125 per person or $1,000 for a table of eight. 

To make your reservation, please contact Erin Gasser at 480.481.8142 or egasser@dbg.org.

The conversation is timely. With Maricopa County projected to grow from 4.3 to 7.1 million residents in just the next 25 years, there is a critical need to change the conversation about the many ways nature enriches our lives. 

The first annual Vision and Leadership in Conservation Award will also be presented at the luncheon to Mayor Jack Meck of the City of Buckeye. Mayor Meck has worked for 20 years to secure open space in his community (now Skyline Regional Park) and has a vision for a conservation trust to protect the ecosystems, biodiversity, and way of life in the far West Valley where much of the Valley’s population growth is expected in the coming 25 years. 

About Wallace “J.” Nichols

Dr. Wallace “J.” Nichols is an innovative, silo-busting, renowned scientist, wild-nature advocate, bestselling author, and fun-loving dad. He has appeared in hundreds of print, film, radio, and television media outlets including NPR, BBC, PBS, CNN, MSNBC, National Geographic, Time, and Scientific American among others. J. received his Ph.D. in Wildlife Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Arizona, and he enjoys long walks in the Sonoran Desert when visiting with local family. These experiences, and those as a field scientist, consultant, nonprofit leader, businessman, teacher, mentor, and parent, support his quest to build a stronger and more diverse movement to inspire a deeper connection to nature.

About Central Arizona Conservation Alliance (CAZCA)
Central Arizona Conservation Alliance (CAZCA) was launched in 2012 by Desert Botanical Garden as a means to ensure the recreational and ecological sustainability of the mountain parks and preserve system in the Phoenix metropolitan area. CAZCA is a collaborative initiative to develop, align, and elevate efforts to conserve and enhance open space for ecological, economic, and social benefits to the Phoenix metropolitan region. 

The Alliance unites a network of land managers, scientists, planners, policy makers, educators, community members, and conservation-based non-profit organizations to develop, align and elevate efforts to conserve and enhance open space in the Phoenix metropolitan region. Comprised of more than 50 partnering organizations, CAZCA’s vision is a sustainable preserve system that supports healthy ecosystems and provides beautiful, sale open spaces for healthy, vibrant communities. For more information about CAZCA, visit mymountainparks.org

About Desert Botanical Garden
A “Phoenix Point of Pride,” the Desert Botanical Garden is one of only a few botanical gardens accredited by the American Association of Museums.  It is a privately funded, non-profit organization and depends on revenues from admissions and gift shop sales, as well as contributions from individuals and businesses to fund its programs of environmental education, plant conservation and research. For more information about the Garden, visit www.dbg.org.