Naming Nature: A Conversation with T.A. Barron

“What a glorious book — a celebration of nature’s beauty, a love poem to language, and a heartfelt plea to save the environment for all living creatures.  An inspiring book for all to treasure!”  — Jane Goodall 

Join New York Times bestselling author and longtime friend of ACES, T.A. Barron, for a conversation and book signing at ACES at Hallam Lake about his newest book, Naming Nature. T.A. Barron brings us this captivating exploration of how human cultures across time and geography have described the living world around them. From the poetic to the practical, the reverent to the resourceful, every language holds unique insights into how we perceive and relate to nature.

5:00 PM | Author Conversation & Book Discussion

6:00 PM | Book Signing

Drawing on etymology, folklore, and linguistic nuance, this richly illustrated volume uncovers the meanings behind the names we give to animals and plants—from the “unstoppable one” (elephant in Tsawna and Tsonga) to the delicate metaphors for butterflies and birds in ancient and modern tongues. Whether rooted in mythology, survival, or awe, these words reveal the deep interconnection between language and landscape.

Featuring gorgeous illustrations sourced from the Oxford University Library’s archives, Naming Nature is a celebration of cultural and ecological diversity—and a beautiful gift for nature lovers, word enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the ways we speak of the wild.

About the Author:

T. A. Barron is a passionate conservationist, New York Times bestselling author, and longtime friend of ACES. In addition to his celebrated career as an author, he serves on the Board of Directors of the World Wildlife Fund. T. A. and his wife, Currie, are dedicated supporters of ACES’ environmental science education programs. Their extraordinary generosity made Riverdance possible, a special place where young people can immerse themselves in nature, ensuring that future generations develop a lifelong connection to the natural world.