Curious residents interested in Gulf Coast ecology and the lives of trees will have the opportunity to hear from one of the nation’s leading authorities when Dr. Meg Lowman speaks on Monday, January 12, at 10 a.m. at the Manasota Beach Club.
Lowman’s presentation, titled “Tree Day: A Story of 24 Hours and 24 Arboreal Lives,” will explore the hidden world of trees and the ecosystems they support. Often referred to nationally as “Canopy Meg,” Lowman is a biologist, ecologist, educator and author who has devoted her career to studying forest canopies and advocating for environmental stewardship.
Lowman is the creator of the Myakka River State Park Canopy Walkway, a landmark feature that allows visitors to experience the treetops firsthand. She has written nine books, including Life in the Treetops, It’s a Jungle Up There, and The Arbornaut, and has published more than 150 scientific journal articles. A book signing table will be available for attendees interested in her most recent work.
She earned her doctorate in Australia and spent eight years working there before returning to the United States. In 1991, she became chief executive officer of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, helping guide its growth into one of the country’s leading botanical institutions. She later served as chief of science and sustainability at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. After returning to the Gulf Coast in 2019, Lowman launched Mission Green, an initiative focused on protecting trees and forests worldwide.
Now in its 37th year, the Manasota Beach Club Monday Lecture Series brings together leading voices in Gulf Coast ecology, environmental science, archaeology and Florida history. Weekly programs explore subjects ranging from hurricane recovery and coastal sustainability to regional culture, early folk music and scientific research.
The lectures are held on the historic 15-acre Manasota Beach Club property, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Sessions take place Mondays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Light refreshments are provided. Admission is $30.
More information and reservations are available at https://www.manasotabeachclub.com/2026-mbc-lecture-series.
