The Deschutes Land Trust announced its free-to-attend winter speaker series earlier this week.

Nature Nights, which has been hosted by the Land Trust since 2011, offers the public opportunities to engage with the wonder of the natural world. Presentations are led by experts who are skilled at communicating their scientific knowledge in an engaging manner, according to Sarah Mowry, community engagement director at the Land Trust.

The Land Trust aims to keep Nature Nights as accessible as possible. It’s offering a free live stream of the series and for those attending the talks in person at the Tower Theatre, an ASL interpreter, accessible parking and wheelchair seating will be available.

The first talk on Jan. 24, “The Remarkable Native Bees of Central Oregon,” focuses on the more than 700 bee species native to Oregon. It will be held by Andony Melathopoulos, associate professor in pollinator health extension in the Department of Horticulture at Oregon State University. Melathopoulos is the first in the country to hold such a position, according to a press release. He also chairs the Oregon Bee Project, a statewide bee protection initiative, and hosts a weekly podcast called PolliNation.

“The Real Dirt on Soil” on Feb. 21, delves into the critical role of soil in the natural world. Presenter James Cassidy has taught soil science at Oregon State University for more than 20 years and is the faculty adviser for the OSU Organic Growers Club, a farm project with over 300 student volunteers. Cassidy hails from a nontraditional background in the music industry and is recognized for his passion for soil and dynamic speaking style, according to the release.

Klamath Tribe member Gabriann “Abby” Hall shares her insights about the current issues affecting her tribe in the final installation of the series. “An Introduction to the Klamath Tribes” on March 20 will cover topics such as treaty rights, first foods and dam removal. Hall was born and raised in the Fort Klamath Valley and teaches ethnic studies, Native studies and diversity in allied healthcare at Central Oregon Community College.

The Land Trust recently acquired Paulina Creek Preserve, one of the territories of the Klamath Tribes, making Hall’s perspective especially pertinent at this point in time, Mowry said.

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Registration opens a month before each talk and is required to attend the free speaker series. Those interested in attending are encouraged to register in advance online, as tickets are known to sell out.

What: Nature Nights

When: 7 p.m. Jan. 24: “The Remarkable Native Bees of Central Oregon”

7 p.m. Feb. 21: “The Real Dirt on Soil”

7 p.m. March 20: “An Introduction to the Klamath Tribes”

Where: Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend

Cost: Free

Contact: deschuteslandtrust.org, 541-330-0017