30 May 2024
HINCKLEY — Good Will-Hinckley will host a captivating evening with Professor Bernd Heinrich on June 12 at 6 p.m. in the The Moody School Auditorium, 13 Easler Road. Heinrich, a distinguished research scientist, author, illustrator, Good Will-Hinckley alumni, and University of Vermont professor emeritus, will share his personal experiences of enchantment as a biologist, offering unbiased insights into the beauty of nature.
Heinrich, renowned for his contributions to biology and nature writing, will offer personal reflections on the natural world at this event. Heinrich, author of numerous books including “Winter World”, “Mind of the Raven” and “Life Everlasting”, often writes about the nature surrounding his off-grid cabin in western Maine, which he mostly built himself. His research has spanned from the physiological ecology of insects, particularly bumblebee behavior, to the social behavior of ravens. Drawing from his extensive career, Heinrich will share keen observations and entertaining anecdotes that highlight the beauty of Western Maine’s wildlife.
The event is free and open to the public, inviting community members, nature enthusiasts, and families to join in the exploration of nature’s enchanting mysteries. Attendees are encouraged to bring a friend and immerse themselves in an evening of discovery with Heinrich. For free tickets, please sign up here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/kajkmz4.
Following the presentation, a reception will be held in the Audubon Gallery at the adjacent L.C. Bates Natural History Museum, 14 Easler Road, on the Good Will-Hinckley campus. Attendees will be able to continue the conversation and further explore the wonders of the natural world in the museum.
For more information about this event, Good Will-Hinckley, and the L.C. Bates Natural History Museum, please visit www.gwh.org or email [email protected].
Heinrich, born on April 19, 1940, in Bad Polzin, Poland, is a distinguished professor emeritus renowned for his significant contributions to the fields of biology and nature writing. Following his education at Good Will-Hinckley, Heinrich continued his studies at the University of Maine, where he pursued his B.A. and M.S. degrees in zoology. His passion for understanding the complexities of the natural world led him to the University of California, Los Angeles, where he earned his Ph.D. in 1970. This marked the beginning of his illustrious career as a researcher and educator.
In 1971, Heinrich took on a pivotal role at the University of California, Berkeley, where he became a professor of entomology. During the years 1976-77, he was recognized for his excellence in research and was honored as a Guggenheim and Harvard Fellow. These prestigious fellowships allowed him to delve deeper into his studies of insect physiology and behavior, as well as bird behavior.
The year 1980 marked a significant transition in Heinrich’s career as he embraced a new role as a professor of zoology/biology at the University of Vermont. His tenure at the university showcased his dedication to fostering a new generation of scholars while continuing his groundbreaking research.
Heinrich’s academic pursuits were further enriched during his time as a von Humboldt Fellow from 1988-89. This period offered him invaluable opportunities to expand his research and collaborate with other esteemed scientists in Germany.
Throughout his illustrious career, he has made major contributions to the study of insect physiology and behavior, as well as bird behavior. In addition to his extensive scientific publications, Heinrich has authored over a dozen highly praised books, offering both scientific insights and personal reflections on nature.