Grandfather Presents: Richard Louv

Richard Louv is a journalist and author of 10 books, including “Our Wild Calling: How Connecting with Animals Can Transform Our Lives – and Save Theirs,” “Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder” and “The Nature Principle: Reconnecting with Life in a Virtual Age.” His books have been translated and published in 24 countries and helped launch an international movement to connect children, families and communities with nature. He is the co-founder and chair emeritus of the Children & Nature Network, an organization focused on the connection between the well-being of children and wild places and the effort to increase safe and equitable access to the natural world for all.

Louv appears frequently on national radio and television programs, including “The Today Show,” “CBS Evening News” and NPR’s “Fresh Air.” He speaks internationally on nature-deficit disorder, a concept he first introduced in “Last Child in the Woods,” regarding the importance of children’s and adults’ exposure to nature for their health and on the need for environmental protection and preservation for greater access to nature and the health of the Earth.

He is a recipient of many awards, including the national Audubon Medal, the San Diego Zoological Society Conservation Medal, the George B. Rabb Conservation Medal from the Chicago Zoological Society and the Cox Award, Clemson University’s highest honor for “sustained achievement in public service.”

As a journalist and commentator, Louv has written for The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Times of London, Orion, Outside Magazine and other newspapers and magazines. He is a columnist for The San Diego Union-Tribune and Parents magazine.

Married to his wife Kathy, he is the father of two sons, Jason and Matthew. He would rather hike than write.

Grandfather Presents Schedule

• 8 a.m. for June, July and August events, 9 a.m. for September event | Grandfather Mountain opens for the day, and “VIP Reception” ticket holders are allowed access to the park. New this year, 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. New this year, 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).

Tickets for this event go on sale here June 4 at 10 a.m., and you can use the links belot to purchase at that time.

Bridge Club Members, click here to purchase “Presentation” tickets or “VIP Reception” tickets.
You will need to use your Bridge Club member number (located on your card below the barcode) to purchase.

Non-Bridge Club Members, click here to purchase “Presentation” tickets or “VIP Reception” tickets.

Refunds/Cancellations
Full refunds will be given to individuals who reach out to us at least five days before the event. This allows time for individuals on the waiting list to make accommodations to attend the event. To cancel your registration, please call 828-733-2013 Monday – Friday between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Fill your summer with learning and exploration: See our “Grandfather Presents” Reading List. 

Learn more about our 2024 Grandfather Presents speaker series.