Events

Feb
26

The Dirt on Bugs, by Kendra Neitzel of Tennessee Naturescapes

Wednesday, February 26th, 2025
to (Eastern Time)
The Carriage House at Knoxville Botanical Gardens, 2649 Boyds Bridge Pike, Knoxville, TN, 37914 Map
Live Stream Available

Public Welcome Family Friendly Limited Access Recording Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking

Light Refreshments will be provided to those attending in person!

Register for this event here. 

They creep, they crawl, and their lives are surrounded by mystery and lore... No, this isn’t the tagline for the next scary movie! Insects and other invertebrates are the unsung heroes that sustain life as we know it.

Join Kendra Neitzel from Tennessee Naturescapes for this fun and fascinating event, where you’ll uncover the vital roles of native bugs and learn about the challenges posed by invasive species. You’ll also have the chance to examine real bug specimens up close—sure to spark your curiosity and appreciation for the tiny creatures that make our world thrive!

About Tennessee Naturescapes: 
Tennessee Naturescapes is a small, privately-owned native plant nursery established to address the growing need for commercially available native plants. Our team is passionate about stewarding our natural heritage and educating others on creating habitats that enhance and sustain local biodiversity. Every yard counts!

About Kendra Neitzel: 

Biophilia—the love of nature—is in my blood! From an early age, I was surrounded by an incredible array of plant and animal species, from common family pets to exotic creatures like Saiga Antelope, Arabian Oryx, pandas, and even the occasional cheetah. No, I wasn’t raised in a zoo, but with both of my parents working at the San Diego Zoo, I had the unique privilege of being involved in many fascinating projects over the years.

After graduating from university, I spent a brief period teaching biology to K-12 students before dedicating several years to working with dually diagnosed adults and children. I was constantly amazed at how my clients responded to animals and science-based projects, reaffirming my belief that a love for nature is deeply rooted in all of us.

Four years ago, I moved to East Tennessee to start a new chapter in my life. Unsure of my next steps, I was fortunate to join the team at Tennessee Naturescapes. As they say, the rest is history!

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