Florida Keys
Wildlife Society
Supporting the National Wildlife Refuges of the Florida Keys through education, non-adversarial advocacy, volunteerism and fundraising
Lecture Series 2025-2026 Season
December 2025 to April 2026
National Key Deer Refuge Nature Center, 30587 Overseas Highway, Big Pine Key.
Learn more about the fascinating island ecosystem found in the Keys, develop an understanding of the ecological importance of the vibrant wildlife naturally found here and discover new ways to enjoy these natural surroundings. Join us in this season of Lectures and guided walks on flora, fauna, wildlife and outdoor pursuits in the Florida Keys. Speakers include experts, researchers, scientists and community members from local non-profits and government agencies. A broad range of topics will be presented to appeal to a wide range of audiences.
All events – lectures and guided walks are Free and Open to the Public. Complimentary refreshments.
Doors open at 6.30pm, Lectures start at 7:00pm and run till 8.00pm
SPEAKER INFORMATION
Thursday February 12, 2026, Doors open 6:30pm. Lecture runs 7:00 – 8:00pm
Brad Bertelli, historian, author, speaker, and Honorary Conch
Presentation: “Fontaneda, Firsthand Observations about Early Life in the Florida Keys, and Indian Key”
Presentation Summary
After a young boy was shipwrecked in the Florida Keys and spent 17 years living with the Calusa people, he wrote a memoir. Published in 1575, it documents firsthand observations about the indigenous people who called South Florida and the Keys home. Join Brad as he delves deeper into the boy’s story, his memories, and what they revealed about the indigenous culture that called these islands home. Is there a connection to Indian Key? Brad will explore that possibility, too.
Speaker Bio: Brad Bertelli is a native of Southern California who moved to Florida in 1989. He arrived in the Florida Keys after graduating from the University of Miami with a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing in 2001. Brad has lived on Plantation Key ever since. The author of ten books, his weekly history column appears in The Keys Weekly Newspaper. Brad worked as the curator of Islamorada’s Keys History & Discovery Center for eight years before venturing out on his own and now shares his knowledge in books, his column, the popular Facebook group Florida Keys History with Brad Bertelli, his program Tasting Florida Keys History, and speaking engagements.
This free, family talk is held at the Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuge Nature Center on Big Pine Key, 30587 Overseas Hwy.
Doors open at 6:30pm. Lecture starts at 7:00pm. Free and open to the public.
Light refreshments provided.
PLEASE NOTE: Capacity is limited to 52 attendees.
Thursday January 22, 2026, Doors open 6:30pm. Lecture runs 7:00 – 8:00pm, Andrea Leal, Florida Keys Mosquito Control District, “BEYOND THE BUZZ”
Beyond the Buzz: How FKMCD Protects Public Health Across the Florida Keys
Learn how the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District (FKMCD) works every day to protect our community from mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases. With 72 dedicated employees, a fleet of helicopters, and advanced surveillance and treatment tools, FKMCD provides island-wide mosquito control across more than 100 miles of the Keys.
This presentation highlights how the District monitors mosquito populations, targets both larval and adult mosquitoes, and adapts operations to the unique environments of our mangroves, neighborhoods, and urban areas. It also explains the use of methods like quieter electric sprayers and helicopter treatments and addresses common questions about mosquito activity in the Keys. Join us to learn how FKMCD keeps our community safe, proactive, and prepared.
Speaker Bio: Andrea Leal is the Executive Director of the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Marine Science from the University of Tampa and a Master of Science in Entomology from the University of Nebraska. Andrea joined the District in 2003 as a Biologist, focusing on mosquito surveillance and control across protected lands in the Lower Keys. She later served as Deputy Director and Director of Operations before being appointed Executive Director in 2016
This free, family talk is held at the Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuge Nature Center on Big Pine Key, 30587 Overseas Hwy.
Doors open at 6:30pm. Lecture starts at 7:00pm. Free and open to the public.
Light refreshments provided.
PLEASE NOTE: Capacity is limited to 52 attendees.
Wednesday January 7, 2026, Doors open 6:30pm. Lecture runs 7:00 – 8:00pm, Erin Myers, US Fish and Wildlife Service.
“FIRE ON THE REFUGE! Why It’s Needed and How It’s Done”
The presentation is about the National Key Deer Refuge and Prescribed Fire. Specifically, why prescribed fire is important on the Refuge, how it is planned, what is needed, who is involved, and when it is implemented.
This free, family talk is held at the Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuge Nature Center on Big Pine Key, 30587 Overseas Hwy.
Doors open at 6:30pm. Lecture starts at 7:00pm. Free and open to the public.
Light refreshments provided.
PLEASE NOTE: Capacity is limited to 52 attendees.
Thursday December 11, 2025, Doors open 6:30pm. Lecture runs 7:00 – 8:00pm, Kym Clark “PREDATORS IN PARADISE”
Kym Clark will share stories of her fascinating experiences of being a wildlife photographer, conservationist and Burmese Python hunter. Prepare to see Florida’s nature in a whole new light, and to be inspired to act to protect Florida wildlife.
This free, family talk is Thursday Mar. 20th at the Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuge nature center on Big Pine Key, 30587 Overseas Hwy.
Doors open at 6:30pm. Lecture starts at 7:00pm. Free and open to the public.
Light refreshments provided.
PLEASE NOTE: Capacity is limited to 52 attendees.
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