Local Events

Join Oak Spring Garden Foundation and Middleburg Books for an engaging conversation, reception, and book signing with author Paula Whyman as she shares the captivating story behind her new book, Bad Naturalist: One Woman’s Ecological Education on a Wild Virginia Mountaintop (January 2025).

In conversation with Charlotte Lorick, Head of Biodiversity Conservation at the Oak Spring Garden Foundation, Paula will take us on a journey through her attempt to restore a sprawling piece of farmland in the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, a land that had long been left to its own devices. With both awe and humility, Paula will highlight her personal challenges and triumphs as she faced the complexities of conservation work, including invasive species, rattlesnakes, and an abundance of expert advice that often contradicts itself.

During this conversation, Paula will share her experiences trying to breathe new life into this wild, untamed piece of nature. From her first foray into hands-on ecology to her surprising discoveries in the meadows, orchards, and forests, Paula’s story is a testament to the messy, beautiful chaos of nature and the lessons that emerge from it.

Click here to register!