The next lecture in the series 2026 Zahner Conservation Lecture Series, taking place on Thursday, July 9, will feature Julie DeMeester, director of Freshwater and Coastal Programs for The Nature Conservancy’s North Carolina chapter presenting “Southern Appalachian Freshwater Resilience and Recovery Post-Hurricane Helene.”
Mountain streams are among the most dynamic and essential ecosystems in the Southern Appalachians, shaping landscapes, supporting biodiversity and providing clean water throughout the region. In this engaging lecture, Dr. DeMeester will explore freshwater resilience in the context of Hurricane Helene, highlighting how mountain streams respond to disturbance and what recovery looks like across impacted watersheds. She will also discuss The Nature Conservancy’s 10-year plan to improve mountain watersheds across the Southern Appalachians and examine how restoration efforts can strengthen ecological resilience in a changing climate.
HBF welcomes all to join the Zahner Conservation Lecture Series, a perfect opportunity to learn, engage and be inspired by the natural world. Lectures are held on Thursday evenings at 6 p.m. at the Highlands Nature Center. Admission is free. To view the full Zahner Conservation Lecture Series schedule, visit highlandsbiological.org/zahner.