The Fishers Island Conservancy is pleased to announce that Professor Douglas Tallamy, the renowned entomologist and conservationist, will be visiting Fishers Island July 18-20. Professor Tallamy will be receiving the first Conservancy medal, honoring his contributions to our understanding of biodiversity, conservation, and sustainable gardening practices. While on the island, Professor Tallamy will be giving an illustrated talk on native planting best practices, offering tours of the Parade Grounds, and will be available for some very limited home site visits. Dr. Tallamy has been a key advisor to the Fishers Island Conservancy in the transformation of the Parade Grounds, lending his ecological expertise and guiding the use of native plants to maximize insect and bird biodiversity. His contributions have helped shape the site into a living example of habitat restoration, and his involvement has inspired continued efforts to expand native planting across the island. The Parade Grounds and Demonstration Garden now serve not only as habitat but also as educational resources for visitors and residents alike.
Dr. Tallamy’s simple message that native plants support diverse insect populations, which help sustain birds and other wildlife, has resonated with home gardeners across the country. His seminal book, “Bringing Nature Home,” has garnered widespread acclaim and serves as a guide for homeowners, landscapers, and conservationists, encouraging the use of native plants in gardens and urban environments. His second book, Nature’s Best Hope, became a New York Times bestseller and further established his role as a national leader in ecological gardening and grassroots conservation.
In addition, Dr. Tallamy has authored numerous books and scientific articles that contribute to the body of knowledge regarding the interactions between plants and insects. His efforts to educate the public about the ecological consequences of landscaping choices have helped foster a national movement towards more sustainable gardening practices. He emphasizes the idea that individual actions, such as planting native species, can collectively have a substantial impact on local ecosystems.
As a passionate environmentalist, Tallamy has also been involved in various initiatives aimed at promoting conservation and sustainability. He has collaborated with organizations like the National Wildlife Federation to develop programs that encourage home gardeners to create habitats for wildlife. He is also the co-founder of the Homegrown National Park initiative, a grassroots movement that encourages people to partially convert lawns into native plant gardens, reflecting his commitment to changing how we view and interact with our landscapes. His educational and environmental stewardship has inspired countless individuals to rethink their gardening practices and the ways they contribute to local ecosystems.
The Fishers Island Conservancy looks forward to welcoming and honoring Dr. Tallamy this summer and continues to be inspired by his ongoing commitment to environmental education and awareness.
During his visit, Dr. Tallamy will lead guided nature walks through the Parade Grounds on both Saturday, July 19 and Sunday, July 20 at 9:30 a.m., and deliver a public talk and book signing at the Henry L. Ferguson Museum on Sunday, July 20 at 4:00 p.m.
We hope you’ll join us for this special weekend of learning, inspiration, and celebration of the native landscapes that support life on Fishers Island and beyond.