Tuesday, November 19th, 7pm EST on ZOOM

Join us on ZOOM to hear from Field Inclusive, a nonprofit dedicated to making outdoor fieldwork and outdoor experiences safer for all, particularly marginalized and historically excluded individuals. This program is co-sponsored by the UT Arboretum Society and Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning,

Lauren D. Pharr, an avian ecologist and co-founder of Field Inclusive, will explain how Field Inclusive works to establish safety precautions for those who professionally work and conduct research outdoors. We will learn more about the topic of “social field safety” and why certain precautions and safety measures need to be taken in the field for all to enjoy the outdoors.

Do you feel safe when you go for a walk, bird watching or hiking? Not all members of our community do. Field researchers often experience bias in the field and do not always feel safe. This program will take us into their shoes and help start conversations.

“This will begin the conversation in order to help you co-create tangible, actionable change and social field safety solutions in our own communities and organizations,” explains Pharr.

A Ph.D. candidate at North Carolina State University (NCSU), Pharr is pursuing her degree in Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology. Her current research focuses on studying the effects of climate change on nestling success in the federally endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker.

In addition to her research, Lauren is an advocate for Black and historically excluded minorities in STEM. Both her research and advocacy work led her to be awarded the North Carolina Wildlife Federation’s 2023 Governor’s Conservation Achievement Award for Young Conservationist of the Year, the highest honor in the state of NC in the wildlife space. She currently resides in Raleigh, North Carolina.

The program is free, but registration is required to receive your Zoom link and the recording. The program will be recorded and sent to all who register.

Please contact Michelle at mcampani@utk.edu for any questions or registration issues.