WHAT: Irvine Nature Center invites adults (21 and over) to its 17th annual Eat, Drink & Learn speaker series, featuring seven evenings of fascinating environmental education along with dinner and themed drinks.
Each evening, one per month, pairs an engaging expert presentation with a nature-inspired theme, signature drinks by mixologist Peter Wood, and seasonally inspired fare by ACE Catering. The 2026–27 series explores everything from turtles and tortoises to raptors, sharks, mysterious animal migrations, the Chesapeake Bay, bats, and insects. Each event runs from 6:30–9 p.m. at Irvine Nature Center in Owings Mills.
TICKETS: Single-event tickets are $58 for members and $68 for non-members. Advance registration is required. To purchase tickets, visit the Irvine Nature Center website.
SCHEDULE:
Thursday, November 19, 2026 | 6:30–9 p.m.
Get up close to the world of birds of prey with Kathleen Woods, Executive Director of Phoenix Wildlife Center. Learn about raptors, wildlife rehabilitation and the important work being done to help injured and orphaned wildlife, all while enjoying dinner and drinks.
Thursday, January 21, 2027 | 6:30–9 p.m.
Dive into the fascinating world of sharks with Bill Band, a scuba diver with more than 50 years of experience. Discover more about these often-misunderstood creatures and the underwater world they call home while enjoying a delicious dinner and signature drinks.
Mysterious Migrations & Luscious Libations
Thursday, February 18, 2027 | 6:30–9 p.m.
Why do animals migrate, and how do they know where to go? Explore the mysteries of animal migration with Robert Mardiney, M.S., environmental educator and Irvine Nature Center’s longtime Director of Education (retired). Pair fascinating insights with dinner, drinks and conversation.
Thursday, March 18, 2027 | 6:30–9 p.m.
Explore the Chesapeake Bay and its iconic blue crabs with Eric Schott, Research Professor at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science at IMET. Learn more about the Bay’s unique ecosystem and the creatures that call it home while enjoying a delicious meal and a glass of Chardonnay.
Thursday, April 15, 2027 | 6:30–9 p.m.
Discover the fascinating world of bats with Kerry Wixted, Master Naturalist and Amphibian, Reptile and Invasive Species Program Manager with the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. Learn why bats are so important to our ecosystems and uncover some of the misconceptions surrounding these remarkable mammals.
Thursday, May 13, 2027 | 6:30–9 p.m.
Wrap up the Eat, Drink & Learn season with an evening dedicated to the fascinating world of insects. Professor Emeritus Michael Raupp of the University of Maryland will explore the surprising and sometimes bizarre lives of bugs while guests enjoy dinner, drinks and lively discussion.
About Irvine Nature Center:
Irvine Nature Center, founded in 1975, is the largest independent nonprofit nature center in the region and a leader in environmental education in Maryland. Located in Owings Mills, Md., Irvine encompasses 211 acres of woodlands, wetlands and meadows, and welcomes visitors year-round to explore its trails, interactive exhibit hall and meet resident Animal Ambassadors. Irvine provides more than 800 environmental education program sessions to over 51,000 children and adults annually at both the nature center, as well as throughout our local community. Irvine brings award-winning programming to over 4,400 public and private school students, as well as to community and senior centers across Maryland. Irvine’s mission is to inspire environmental literacy and stewardship by connecting people with the natural world and empowering them to take action to create a healthier planet. For more information, visit www.IrvineNatureCenter.org.
