Richard Louv to headline West Palm Beach nature events Oct. 12

Wild About Wildlife and Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society are bringing author Richard Louv to West Palm Beach on Oct. 12 for two events focused on reconnecting children and families with nature. The programs will support South Florida wildlife education and refuge efforts while highlighting Louv’s long-running influence on the movement to get kids outdoors.

Why it matters: - Richard Louv helped popularize the idea that less time outdoors is shaping childhood and family life. - The West Palm Beach events aim to turn that message into local support for conservation education, habitat access and youth programs. - Proceeds from the luncheon support the National Wildlife Refuge Association’s South Florida Urban Wildlife Refuge Project.

What happened: - Wild About Wildlife and Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society are hosting Louv on Monday, Oct. 12, in West Palm Beach. - The daytime event, Nature Renaissance with Richard Louv, will take place at The Ben, Autograph Collection. - The evening program, The Power of Noticing Nature: An Evening with Author Richard Louv, will be held at Palm Beach Zoo. - The luncheon is sponsored by Doane & Doane, PA, and includes a keynote sponsored by The Everglades Foundation, followed by a community conversation and book signing. - The evening program is an exclusive event for donors, teachers and conservation partners.

The details: - Louv coined the term “nature-deficit disorder” in his 2005 book Last Child in the Woods. - The book helped spark interest in reconnecting children, families and communities with nature. - Louv’s work helped inspire state and federal “No Child Left Inside” legislation and a U.S. Forest Service initiative to get more children into the woods. - Louv is co-founder and chairman emeritus of the Children & Nature Network. - Louv has written 11 books published in 24 countries. - Louv received the National Audubon Society’s Audubon Medal in 2008. - Past Audubon Medal recipients include Rachel Carson, E.O. Wilson, President Jimmy Carter and Sir David Attenborough. - Louv has also received conservation medals from the San Diego Zoological Society and the Chicago Zoological Society. - Louv has delivered keynotes at the first White House Summit on Environmental Education and the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference. - Louv’s newest book, Noticing: Intimate Encounters With the Natural World, was released in June. - The new book focuses on research about animal and plant communication, wildlife sentience and the human senses. - At the luncheon, Louv will discuss why connecting with nature matters. - Louv will also highlight how the Refuge Association’s South Florida programs work in practice. - Those programs include Conservation Ranger Camp, which brings students onto wildlife refuges. - The programs also include Pocket Refuges and Floating Wetlands, which bring nature to schools. - A VIP reception for the luncheon begins at 11 a.m. and is limited to 50 guests. - VIP guests will get a photo with Louv and a signed copy of Noticing. - General admission begins at noon. - Tickets are $300 for general admission and $500 for VIP. - Evening guests will meet a Florida panther and a river otter at the Everglades Conservation Center before Louv speaks. - The evening program will end with a moderated Q&A and book signing. - Louv will discuss how zoos can serve as a starting point for people who do not otherwise get out into nature. - Louv will also explore how that first encounter can lead to a lasting connection with the natural world.

Between the lines: - The events frame nature access as both an education issue and a conservation issue. - Wild About Wildlife and Palm Beach Zoo are using Louv’s name recognition to draw attention to local programs that bring wildlife education into schools and neighborhoods. - The dual-event format suggests an effort to reach both public audiences and donors, educators and conservation supporters. - Palm Beach Zoo is positioning animal encounters as an entry point for broader environmental engagement.

What's next: - Tickets for Nature Renaissance are available at event details. - Tables, sponsorships and additional information are available through Stephanie Miragliotta at 561-351-0494 or wildaboutwildlife@refugeassociation.org. - Information about The Power of Noticing Nature is available from Amy Smith at 561-533-0887 ext. 422 or VIP@palmbeachzoo.org. - The events are expected to raise support and awareness for South Florida wildlife refuge programming.

The bottom line: - Louv’s West Palm Beach appearance is designed to connect a national nature-education message with local conservation work and fundraising.