CREDIT: HILTONPOND.ORG
The Nature in the City lecture series offers a unique perspective on the wildlife, such as voles, living in the Forest City.

Nature London is reprising its Nature in the City lecture series, which will run for six weeks starting January 14.

The series, now in its ninth year, will touch on topics that range from climate change to small animals that live in and around Forest City.

Nature in the City is cosponsored by the London Public Library and Nature London, which Pat Tripp, organizer and Nature London member, described as a “naturalist organization who are concerned about nature and its preservation.”

Climate change is a topic Tripp said she thinks will be of particular interest to the student demographic. “It's a concern for us all,” she said. “It's the contemplation of one's future, and we're not sure what's cooking in the score.”

Lecturers are mostly local volunteers. “We're very grateful for that,” Tripp said. “They really appreciate the large audiences we can provide for them.”

This year, Tripp said she hopes to bring in large audiences once again. “We're hoping for lots of people to come out, and the end result we hope — and this is an act of faith — is growing awareness of the importance of conservation issues in this community and broader world.”

The yearlong planning process includes an evaluation where Nature London surveys the population on suggestions for future lectures. “We also keep our ears to the ground for good speakers ... We work really hard at getting interesting speakers,” said Tripp.

All this in effort to educate the public so humans and animals can live in harmony.

“We're all part of the same habitat,” said Tripp. “If one critter fails, it might be an indicator that we're all in trouble.

“It's hope that there's natural areas in the city, and they are often under attack. We have to keep people aware of the importance of the nature among us so we can continue taking nice walks in natural areas and keep that in the political agenda.”

Each lecture will take place Tuesdays from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wolf Performance Hall at the London Public Library, free of charge.

January 14: The Canada Goose
This remarkable bird is making a comeback. Though frequently thought of as a nuisance, Chris Sharp will talk about how to co-exist with the nation's feathered friends.

January 21: Brainy Insects
Western University biologist Jeremy McNeal presents evidence of how insects are outwitting humans.

January 28: Climate Change
Get educated on how climate leads to increase in severe weather events with Gordon McBean.

February 4: Urban Forests
Forester Bruce McGauley will introduce Londoners to our leafy neighbours and how trees survive in urban settings.

February 11: Small Mammals
Alison Lake of Pinery Provincial Park will reveal the world of mice, shrews, moles and voles in her talk about our furry friends.

February 18: Backyard Biodiversity
Gardening with native plants is what Western biologist Nina Zitani will be speaking about on this day.