Talks and Lectures

Nat Talks, made possible with support from presenting sponsor The Downing Family Foundation and media partner KPBS, feature museum staff and outside experts speaking on an array of topics, including the latest in scientific research, history, conservation, and the natural world.

Purchase tickets by clicking on the link associated with each event. To view recorded talks and lectures, visit our YouTube playlist. Please note that all talks are offered in local time (PST/PDT).

Upcoming Events


Nat Talk: 7th Annual State of Biodiversity Symposium

Thursday, April 18, 2024 5 PM

At this year’s symposium, we will share the results from the San Diego Biodiversity Conservation Summit—a day-long workshop held in February, at which diverse stakeholders across the region discussed conservation issues and generated a report about the the most urgent needs to conserve biodiversity in San Diego County.

Learn more



Nat Talk: The Secret Lives of Snakes with Dr. Emily Taylor

Tuesday, May 21, 2024 7 PM

Learn about the world of California’s serpentine residents with snake expert and Cal Poly professor Dr. Emily Taylor as she shares the secret lives of snakes.

Thanks to modern technology like data loggers, radio transmitters, and live-streaming cameras, scientists are about to learn about one of the most secretive animals in California—snakes 

Dr. Taylor will share tales from the field like blind snakes seeking refuge in owl nests, rattlesnakes drinking rainwater, snakes using their noses to dig up their dinners, and more. 

Be sure to stop by the Museum store after the talk for a book sale and signing of Dr. Taylor’s new book, California Snakes and How to Find Them 

Tickets are $12 for non-members and $9 for members.    

Photo Credit: Marisa Ishimatsu 

RSVP now



Past Talks

Check out our top five most viewed talks from the 2021 season on YouTube.


Climate Change Series

Throughout 2021, The Nat and Climate Science Alliance collaborated to offer a series of evening talks and daytime lessons around climate change. These quarterly events dove into the complex topic of our changing climate. The more we know, the better we can respond to what is happening. Watch the series and be empowered.