Author Series

What stories can trees tell us about the people who once lived beneath their branches? Join award-winning plant biologist and author Beronda L. Montgomery for a conversation with Nat Hab Editorial Director Wendy Redal about her book When Trees Testify: Science, Wisdom, History, and America’s Black Botanical Legacy. Blending science, history and memoir, Montgomery explores how seven tree species—and the cotton shrub—reveal stories of Black history, offering a fresh perspective on the ways nature preserves memory, resilience and cultural heritage.

Few wild animals are as misunderstood—or as adaptable—as the coyote. Join acclaimed environmental historian and author Dan Flores with host Brooke Mitchell for a conversation about Coyote America: A Natural and Supernatural History. Together, they’ll explore the coyote’s remarkable expansion across North America, its deep roots in Indigenous mythology and American folklore, and the complex relationship between coyotes and humans. From their ecological resilience to their cultural symbolism, this discussion reveals why coyotes may be the ultimate survivors of the modern age.

What do roads really mean for wildlife? Award-winning environmental journalist Ben Goldfarb joins host Brooke Mitchell for a conversation about his book Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping the Future of Our Planet. From disrupted migrations and habitat fragmentation to the surprising ways noise and pollution negatively impact ecosystems, they’ll explore how roads affect species around the world. They’ll also discuss solutions like wildlife crossings and habitat restoration that are helping reconnect landscapes and protect biodiversity in an increasingly road-bound world.

Can you name all eight bear species? You’ll be able to after this exclusive author talk! Bears have shaped ecosystems and inspired human storytelling for millennia. But today, many bears face an uncertain future. Join award-winning journalist and author Gloria Dickie and Nat Hab Director of Content Rachel Walker for a conversation about Dickie’s acclaimed book Eight Bears: Mythic Past and Imperiled Future. They’ll explore the cultural mythology, biology and conservation challenges facing bears, from grizzlies and polar bears to the little-known bears of Southeast Asia.

What if saving our planet starts with giving other species room to roam? Join award-winning environmental reporter Hillary Rosner (National Geographic, The New York Times, The Atlantic and more) and Nat Hab’s Senior Editorial Manager Rachel Walker for a conversation about Rosner’s debut book ROAM: Wild Animals and the Race to Repair Our Fractured World. Together, they’ll explore themes from ROAM—including wildlife corridor connectivity, environmental journalism and the power of communication to inspire change.

What can centuries of Indigenous knowledge teach us about medicine and conservation? Author Rosa Espinoza, Ph.D., joins host Brooke Mitchell for our Nat Hab Author Series to discuss The Spirit of the Rainforest: How Indigenous Wisdom and Scientific Curiosity Reconnects Us to the Natural World. From stingless bees and their healing honeys to animals that self-medicate and new laws protecting native species, they'll discuss Espinoza’s research as a chemical scientist and how Indigenous wisdom continues to inspire efforts to protect our planet.

We’re thrilled to welcome bestselling author Kristin Hannah (The Women, The Nightingale) as guest of honor at our inaugural Nat Hab Author Series. Kristin joins host Brooke Mitchell to discuss The Great Alone, her acclaimed novel set in 1970s Alaska. Kristin is no stranger to The Last Frontier—in fact, her family founded Alaska Bear Camp, now owned and operated by Nat Hab! Kristin will share stories of her family’s adventures in Alaska and reflect on how nature influences her writing. She’ll be joined by Caprice Stoner, manager of Bear Camp since 2006. Whether you're a fan of the book or simply love wild places, this is a can't-miss event.