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SALUDA—Thanks to a generous Free Community Events grant from Polk County Community Foundation and a partnership between Polk County Public Libraries and Conserving Carolina, a speaker series will continue at Saluda Library on the second Tuesday of each month at 2 p.m. through November 2024.

Next in the series is “Moths and Why We Need to Think About Them Differently,” presented by naturalist, photographer, and writer Sharon Mammoser on September 10. Moths and their caterpillars are the foundation of the food chain. In this program, attendees will get an introduction to the amazing world of moths and learn how to make yards and outdoor spaces more moth-friendly.

Carrie Blair, founder of Tree Lovers School, will present Reading Trees on October 8. She will discuss ways to identify trees by their characteristics, habitats, branch patterns, leaves, flowers, seeds, thorns, buds, and leaf scars. She’ll also teach some terms attendees should know when learning about and discussing trees. 

Hans Lohmeyer, freshwater ecologist and Conserving Carolina Stewardship Coordinator, will present the November 12 program, “Freshwater Mussels of the Western Carolinas.” Dive into the captivating world of freshwater mussels found in the mountain and foothill regions of the Carolinas while unraveling their biology, ecology, and pressing conservation concerns. This engaging talk will offer a comprehensive overview of these remarkable creatures, exploring their unique life cycle, habitat preferences, and the factors contributing to their alarming decline. 

To register for these events, visit conservingcarolina.org/calendar. For more information, contact Pam Torlina at pam@conservingcarolina.org.