Grandfather Presents: Eleanor Spicer Rice
Eleanor Spicer Rice, Ph.D., is an entomologist, award-winning author, and nationally recognized science communicator whose work explores the surprising connections between people and the natural world. She earned her doctorate in entomology from North Carolina State University and has since authored more than ten books, including the acclaimed DEADLIEST series and Ants: Workers of the World.
Eleanor is the host of Our State Magazine’s North Carolina, Naturally, a print, podcast, and video series highlighting the remarkable biodiversity and hidden stories of North Carolina. Her work has appeared in national media, museums, classrooms, and public speaking venues across the country, where she is known for blending rigorous science with humor, storytelling, and wonder.
Whether discussing spiders, salamanders, or the ecosystems living in our own homes, Eleanor invites audiences to see the living world with fresh curiosity and deeper awe. She lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, with her two sons, dogs, a lizard, and a determined flock of homing pigeons.
Spicer Rice’s Sept. 3 presentation is titled “North Carolina’s Hidden Superpowers And How Salamanders Are Secretly Running Your Life.” From mountain salamanders to coastal seagrass, North Carolina is filled with hidden ecological marvels that quietly shape our lives. Join entomologist and author Eleanor Spicer Rice for a journey through the state’s four ecoregions and discover the surprising creatures, relationships, and natural systems that make North Carolina one of the most biologically remarkable places in America.
This event is hosted in part with Our State. Each month, Our State magazine celebrates the very best of N.C. through lively storytelling and stunning photography. Founded in 1933, Our State reflects the beauty, nature, nostalgia, travel, and food of the state. It’s the perfect source of information for those who have lived in N.C. all their lives, those who are just becoming acquainted with the state, or those looking to visit or relocate. This award-winning magazine reaches more than a million readers each month, with subscribers in every state and 20 foreign countries. Learn more about Our State magazine by visiting ourstate.com.
Tickets go on sale online for this event here at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 1.
Grandfather Presents Schedule
- 8 a.m. for July and August events, 9 a.m. for September and October events | Grandfather Mountain opens for the day, and “VIP Reception” ticket holders are allowed access to the park. Your event ticket will be scanned at one of our ticket booths at the entrance gate.
- 4:45 p.m. | “Presentation” ticket holders are allowed to enter the park and are welcome to explore the Conservation Campus (Wilson Center, Mildred the Bear Environmental Habitats and more) prior to the speaker presentation. Your event ticket will be scanned at one of our ticket booths at the entrance gate.
- 4:45 – 5:45 p.m. | Check-in for all event attendees near the front entrance of the Wilson Center (to receive your wristband for the event)
- 5 – 5:30 p.m. | “VIP” Reception in the Wilson Center (“VIP Reception” ticket holders only)
- 5:45 – 6:45 p.m. | Speaker presentation in the Classroom in the Clouds
- 6:45 – 7:30 p.m. | Meet-and-greet/book signing with speaker
- 7:45 p.m. | Park should be clear of all Grandfather Presents guests.
Grandfather Presents Tickets
Two tiers of ticket access are offered for Grandfather Presents events.
“VIP Reception” tickets include a VIP reception with the guest speaker that features heavy hors d’oeuvres, in addition to the program and the “meet-and-greet/book signing” session after the event. Admission to the park for the day is also included.
- $60 “VIP Reception” Adult
- $51 “VIP Reception” Bridge Club Member (limited quantity available)
“Presentation” tickets are a more cost-effective option and include only the speaker’s program and the “meet-and-greet/book signing” session after the event.
- $25 “Presentation” Adult
- $20 “Presentation” Bridge Club Member
- Children under 12 are admitted free with a paying adult (maximum of four free children per purchase).
Refunds/Cancellations
Full refunds will be given to individuals who reach out to us at least five days before the event (midnight, Aug. 29). This allows time for individuals on the waiting list to make accommodations to attend the event. To cancel your registration, please call 828-833-6332 Monday – Friday between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. or email judi@grandfather.com.
