Schedule a Program
Larry's presentations are suitable for general adult audiences, especially those with an interest in conservation and the outdoors.
- Each program is 35-40 minutes, with another 20 minutes or more for questions and discussion.
- Basic program fee is $150, plus mileage and lodging. Negotiable.
- Humanities Iowa may have grants available for some programs. For details, visit the Humanities Iowa Speakers Bureau.
- See the Events Calendar for currently scheduled programs.
- Contact Larry Stone for more information or to schedule a program for your group event.
Program List
Gladys Black: The Legacy of Iowa’s Bird Lady
The late Gladys Black of Pleasantville was widely known throughout Iowa as a conservationist, educator, and expert on birds. Larry and coauthor Jon Stravers have written a book about Gladys and have prepared a program acknowledging this colorful woman’s impact on so many Iowans.
Whitetail: Treasure, Trophy or Trouble? – A History of Deer in Iowa
Although Iowa’s original deer herd vanished in the face of white settlement, the animals rebounded during the 20th century to the point of over-population. Adapted from a 2003 book written for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, “Whitetail” traces that history. It’s a story with broad appeal to farmers, hunters, motorists, and wildlife watchers – anyone whose life has been affected by Iowa deer.
Iowa: Portrait of the Land
Based on Larry’s award-winning Earth Year 2000 book for the Iowa DNR, “Portrait” is a reminder to Iowans of the rich history of their natural resources, with an appeal for protecting that heritage.
Floating Through History
Not just for paddlers, this is an entertaining look at the natural and cultural resources that canoeists, visitors, and residents may experience along our waterways.
Sylvan T. Runkel: Citizen of the Natural World
Get better acquainted with a beloved naturalist whose books, public TV appearances, nature hikes, and love of life touched thousands of Iowans. (Based on the 2003 book by Larry Stone and Jon Stravers)
The Amazement Connection
Larry has never outgrown his love of playing in the creek, or his fascination with the amazing array of critters on Earth. He’s convinced that today’s kids need to get wetter and dirtier – and to be amazed at their environment.
Canoeing the Voyageurs Highway
In 1971, Margaret and Larry Stone made a 1,200-mile, 109-day canoe trip on part of the route of the French-Canadian fur traders and voyageurs. They started at Grand Portage, on Lake Superior, in early May, and ended at Ile a la Crosse, in northwestern Saskatchewan, in late August.
They traveled the same waters and portages as fur trappers and traders who “unrolled the map of Canada” during the height of the fur trade from about 1770 to 1820. The route is possible because Canada has half of all the fresh water in the world, and more miles of inland waterways than all other countries combined. The Stones’ route included the Rainy River, Lake of the Woods, the Winnipeg River, Lake Winnipeg, the Saskatchewan River, the Sturgeon-Weir River, and the Churchill River.
Although another couple made part of the trip, the Stones paddled alone for most of the journey, going as much as week without seeing any other people. They bought food and supplies at Hudson’s Bay Company stores, and supplemented their diets with occasional fish and berries. AND lots of peanut butter and jelly!
Margaret and Larry will present a slide program – with original SLIDES taken on the trip. They’ll share their memories of long portages, mosquitoes, headwinds, beautiful sunsets, snow, primitive campsites, bears, birds, and encounters with Indigenous people.
Stone 1971 Voyage 02 10 25 presentation
