POINT BLUE SPEAKER SERIES 2025-26
Join us for the first Point Blue Speaker Series where we bring together experts and enthusiasts to discuss the latest in conservation science, policy, and practice.
To celebrate our 60th year, Point Blue is proud to present a speaker series to introduce you to our 60 years of conservation work and to nationally recognized experts who will bring us new perspectives and information about the natural world and climate change.
David Hochschild
Chair, CA Energy Commission and US Renewable Energy Policy Expert April 23, 2026 | 7:00 PM Gallery 308, Fort MasonSunrise from the West: CA’s Leadership in Clean Energy
Renewable energy is a tool for ecosystem resilience, when implemented with ecological foresight. As the Chair of the California Energy Commission, David is a leader in renewable energy policy, innovation, and clean technology adoption.
- In a Climate Week keynote, Chair Hochschild will discuss the state’s commitment to a clean energy future that balances urgent climate goals with the protection of our ecosystems.
- The presentation will be followed by a moderated conversation and audience Q&A hosted by KALW radio host Rose Aguilar.
All tickets include access to our 6pm – 7pm Climate Week Happy Hour!
Join us for networking and community building before the talk at 7pm. Complimentary appetizers and a cash bar of wine/beer and NA beverages will be served.
Joellen Russell
Climate Scientist, Oceanographer, Science Mom February 5, 2026 | 7:00 PM Kanbar Theater, The Exploratorium SOLD OUTOcean Health: What if the Ocean is at a Tipping Point?
Point Blue and the Exploratorium are teaming up to present a climate change panel discussion about ocean health. We will explore “What If the Ocean is at a Tipping Point?” – what’s happening in our seas and what we can do to minimize dangerous changes.
As a panelist, Dr. Russell will draw on her work using robot floats, supercomputers, and satellites to observe and predict the ocean’s role in climate and the carbon cycle. These expert voices will complete the panel:
- Kirk Lombard (panelist) – founder of Sea Forager Seafood and Sea Forager Tours; sustainable fishmonger, foraging guide, poke-poler, angler, writer, musician
- Maria Brown (panelist) – national leader in marine conservation; former NOAA Superintendent of 3 national marine sanctuaries (Greater Farallones, Northern Monterey Bay, and Cordell Bank)
- David Ackerly (moderator) – climate change biologist; Professor of Integrative Biology and Environmental Science; Dean, College of Natural Resources, UC Berkeley
Ayana Elizabeth Johnson
Marine Biologist, Policy Expert, Writer October 7, 2025 | 7:00 PM Log Cabin at the Presidio SOLD OUTAdapting to Climate Change: What if we get it Right?
How do we adapt to a changing climate? Dr. Johnson will help us explore inspiring, science-driven solutions and collaborative actions that build resilience for nature and communities.
Tickets include a copy of What If We Get It Right? Visions of Climate Futures and a 6:00 – 7:00 PM Point Blue Happy Hour
Ed Yong
Pulitzer-Prize Winner, Bestselling Author of An Immense World September 18, 2025 | 6:00 to 9:00 PM Showcase Theater, Marin Civic Center SOLD OUTBecoming a Birder
Pulitzer Prize-winning science writer Ed Yong will talk about “Becoming A Birder.” He’ll share some of his birding photos and ways birdwatching fosters joy, wonder, and connection to the world around him. Drawing from his best-selling book An Immense World, he’ll also reveal the remarkable ways birds perceive reality through their sensory systems.
Don’t miss the pre-show fun:
“For the Birds Happy Hour” with Point Blue avian ecologists
(6:00 – 7:00 PM, beer, wine, non-alcoholic)
Book Passage will be onsite selling An Immense World and other Ed Yong titles.