Join the Thompson Earth Systems Institute’s Environmental Leaders Network to hear from Cassie Klein, a Human Dimensions of Conservation Research Associate at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and learn about how to inspire pro-environmental behaviors in visitors at Walt Disney World using purple martins. 

🗓️ Date: Friday, Februrary 6, 2026
🕖 Time: 9:00 am – 10:00 am
📍 Location: Dickinson Hall, Rm 321
🥯 Light snacks and refreshments will be provided

Talk Description:

In the environmental education field we work hard to connect our guests to nature so that they will work hard to conserve it, but are some kinds of connections more impactful than others? We set out to explore if a presentation, live animal visual experience, or live animal interactive experience would be more effective at connecting people to nature and motivating pro-environmental behaviors using purple martins (Progni subis) as a model species and program. This migratory songbird travels 3000 miles from the rainforests of Brazil to raise its young in nesting compartments at the Walt Disney World® Resort. Pre and post surveys were used to capture the level of connectedness to nature our participants felt before and after this experience, as well as their intention to participate in pro-environmental behaviors. What did we find? Come find out!

Open to all UF undergraduate and graduate students.

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Featured photo from Canva Pro.