This month will be a different format from what Wachiska has followed for half a century. There will be NO general meeting on the regular second Thursday night; instead, we will be celebrating our first 50 years on Sunday afternoon, December 3, at a new location. However, reservations are needed, and that deadline will have passed by the time this newsletter arrives. S0—this will be a reminder for those who registered to join us.

The luncheon and Tallamy talk will be on the second floor of the Nebraska Innovation Studio building at 2021 Transformation Drive. That is on North 21st Street and Transformation Drive on the University of Nebraska's Innovation Campus. This is just east of the Bob Devaney Center and across from the university's greenhouse and The Scarlet Hotel. Innovation Campus is on the old state fairgrounds on the north side of Salt Creek Roadway. Along North 21st Street on the west side of the street, there are three large buildings. The middle building is the Nebraska Innovation Studio. Free parking is available in the large parking lot north of the three buildings. All other parking areas and street parking require a fee. Someone will direct visitors to the parking lot and the meeting room.

The Innovation Studio building is the old FFA building that had the exhibits and the auction arena during the state fair era.

Refer to the first paragraph of the executive director’s message on page 2 for current information on the December 3 event.

Doug Tallamy, an American entomologist, ecologist, and conservationist, is a professor in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware. He advocates for home gardens and landscaping that bridge the gaps between parks and preserves in providing habitat for native species.      Dr. Tallamy has written numerous books on native landscapes including Bringing Nature Home, Nature’s Best Hope, The Nature of Oaks, and has co-authored The Living Landscape. Lincoln's own Francie & Finch Bookshop will donate 10 percent of the sales of Tallamy's books and CDs to Wachiska. Order your books from Francie & Finch today and be ready for Tallamy’s talk on December 3. To become familiar with his work, go to www.homegrownnationalpark.org and/or listen to the podcast at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-poor-prolesalmanac/id1523042499?i=1000621330604.

Framed photos by local, widely well-known, and respected photographers Joel Sartore and Michael Forsberg will be raffled off during the luncheon. In addition to Francie & Finch, Sartore, and Forsberg, event sponsors include Wild Bird Habitat Store, Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, Lower Platte South NRD, Pepperl family, Marilyn McNabb, The Scarlet Hotel, Stock Seed Farms, Midwest Natives Nursery, Aldersgate Gardens & Playground, the Unitarian Church’s Green Sanctuary Committee, LES Pollinator Program, Cradduck Productions, Eagle Printing & Sign, and Green at Heart - Westminster Presbyterian Church. Many thanks to all for their support and belief in Wachiska’s mission!