Speaker Series
As part of our mission to connect people and nature, DFLT sponsors two Speaker Series — ongoing free lecture programs designed to connect community members with the natural and cultural heritage of their Sonoran Desert home. These lectures provide accessible educational opportunities for everyone to deepen their understanding of this unique desert ecosystem.
The Foothills Speaker Series is a joint initiative of DFLT and the Holland Center.
Click here to see events in the Foothills Speaker Series.
The Sonoran Speaker Series is a joint initiative of DFLT and Valley of the Sun J.
Click here to see events in the Sonoran Speaker Series.
All events are free and open to the public, but due to limited seating, registration is required. To register, click the link with each event.
Foothills Speaker Series
The Foothills Speaker Series is held at the Holland Center, 34250 N 60th St, Bldg B, Scottsdale, AZ 85266.
All programs are held from 6 - 8 pm. While programs are free, donations are appreciated. Due to limited seating, advance registration is required.
October 14, 2025 - Wild Wings
Get up close with rescued hawks, owls, and eagles! Join Wild at Heart's Bob Fox for an engaging evening featuring live raptor ambassadors as he shares fascinating stories from 30+ years of wildlife rescue, and their innovative work relocating displaced burrowing owls in the Arizona desert.
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November 4, 2025 - Your Community Parks
Join park leaders from Arizona State Parks, Maricopa County Parks, and City of Phoenix Parks as they share insights about the recreational opportunities, hidden gems, and community benefits of the diverse park systems right in your backyard.
December 2, 2025 - Starry Desert Nights
Explore the science of astronomy and the mysteries of the night sky using telescopes with Jenny Hall of Paradise Valley Community College and Kevin LeGore of Focus Astronomy.
Registration coming soon!
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January 6, 2026 - Javelina
Discover the wild side of Arizona’s “not-actually pigs,” and learn how we can peacefully coexist with these common wildlife neighbors, with Jeff Meyers of the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
Registration coming soon!
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February 3, 2026 - Sonoran Pollinators and You
Discover our diverse native pollinator species, and learn simple ways you can support them at home, with Natalie Case of Scottsdale Community College.
Registration coming soon!
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March 3, 2026 - Deep History of Arizona
Take a journey through nearly 2 billion years of Arizona's geological history, revealing how ancient forces created the landscapes we treasure today, with Dr. Steve Semken of Arizona State University.
Registration coming soon!
April 7, 2026 - Science of Wildfire
Join us for an illuminating evening unpacking the science behind wildfire management in our unique Sonoran Desert ecosystem, with Tiffany Davila of the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management.
Registration coming soon!
The Holland Center enriches the Desert Foothills community by celebrating arts and culture, treasuring our desert environment, assisting those in need, and encouraging lifelong learning. The Center provides support, opportunity, and connection for area residents through diverse programs including intriguing classes, fine arts exhibits, community theatre, and more. Through these offerings, the Holland Center aims to foster a vibrant, engaged community in the Desert Foothills area. To learn more visit hollandcenter.org.
Sonoran Speaker Series
The Sonoran Speaker Series is held at Valley of the Sun J, 12701 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85254.
All programs are held from 6 - 8 pm. While programs are free, donations are appreciated. Due to limited seating, advance registration is required.
November 11th, 2025 - Rock Imagery of the Southwest
Explore the diverse rock imagery and archaeological heritage of the southwest with leading expert, Dr. Aaron Wright of Archaeology Southwest.
Click here to register. (If prompted, click "continue as guest.")
December 9th, 2025 - All About Saguaros
Learn about our iconic saguaro cactus as we explore new research surrounding our desert giants, with Ali Schuessler of Desert Botanical Garden.
Registration coming soon!
January 13th, 2026 - Incredible Bats
Discover Arizona's bats! Whether you love or fear them, learn how these misunderstood creatures help our desert ecosystem with Hally Cokenias of Arizona Bat Rescue.
Registration coming soon!
February 10th, 2026 - Starry Desert Nights
Explore the science of astronomy and the mysteries of the night sky using telescopes with Jenny Hall of Paradise Valley Community College and local astronomers from Focus Astronomy.
Registration coming soon!
March 10th, 2026 - Medicine or Madness?
Modern medicine has made great strides, but some researchers are now using nature's deadliest compounds - venom - to develop new treatments for human diseases. Presented by Dr. Ken Sweat of ASU.
Registration coming soon!
April 14th, 2026 - Wolves and Coyotes
Get to know our wildlife neighbor the coyote, and delve into the history of Arizona’s wolves, with wildlife biologist Jeff Meyers of the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
Registration coming soon!
Since 1945, Valley of the Sun J is the place where children are enriched, friendships built, bodies strengthened, minds challenged, and Jewish culture celebrated. The Valley of the Sun J is where all are welcome. Where the community comes together to workout, to play, to grow, to engage. The Valley of the Sun J is where we are All. Together. Better. To learn more visit valleyofthesunj.org.