John Acorn, aka The Nature Nut, to speak at UPEI

John Acorn, aka The Nature Nut, will share his passion for natural history and entomology during two presentations at the University of Prince Edward Island on Monday, October 26, in the KC Irving (KCI) Chemistry Centre.

Acorn will give a presentation called "It's natural to be a naturalist (and it pays too!)" at 1:30 p.m. in the KCI Wanda Wyatt Lecture Theatre (Room 104). And at 7 p.m. he will give another talk called "Life, Ladybugs, Nature Nuts and Nativeness," also in the KCI lecture theatre. Members of the public are welcome to attend both presentations.

'Introduced species are often seen as ‘alien invaders,'' says Acorn, 'and indeed some have done great harm after arriving in new places. This pattern, however, is not universal, and biologists are beginning to rethink the science we have called ‘invasion biology.'

Using examples from ladybugs and other animals, Acorn will explore this theme and ask questions about ideas such as nativeness, naturalness, and ecological integrity.

Born in Edmonton, Alberta, in 1958, Acorn has been fascinated with animals his entire life. He is perhaps best known as the writer and host of the television series "Acorn, The Nature Nut," a family-oriented, how-to-be-a-naturalist show. He also hosted "Twits and Pishers," a travel show for bird watchers, and is the video host for the galleries of the Royal Tyrell Museum, where he has also served as a research associate.

Currently he teaches at the University of Alberta and travels widely as a public speaker. To date, he has written 17 books, including many well-received field guides.

Acorn is the recipient of NSERC's 2007 Michael Smith Award for Science Promotion, the University of Alberta's 2005 Distinguished Alumni Award, two 'Rosies' for best host from the Alberta Motion Picture Industry Awards, and two nominations for Canada's national television award, the Gemini. Both the Entomological Society of Alberta and the Canadian Society of Zoologists have also recognized his contributions to public education.