SPECIAL EVENTS WITH
NATURE’S CRITTERS

Are you looking for an exciting and educational presentation at your special event? Julie Allen and her animal friends have visited tens of thousands of people over the last 10 years. She has performed at national children’s events, large company picnics, public institutions, zoos, nature centers, city festivals, church bazaars, scouting events, human societies ... anyplace where her message of stewardship and respect for our planet can be delivered. Nature's Critters is fully insured.

There are two types of presentations available for special events: formal and informal. In all her presentations, Julie’s animal friends make an appearance to delight and enlighten the audience. In her formal presentation, Julie designs her program to address the target audience -- families, children, adults or special groups. She can speak to small or large groups (200+). Her topics can include the regular programming selections (for all ages) or special programs designed for adult audiences. These include:

"Fear - How We Teach It"

Why do we think certain animals are scary? How do we learn to fear what we don't understand? This program looks at how our society programs us to believe certain fallacies regarding the animal kingdom. It reprograms us by teaching techniques for working through fear responses. The audience will be directed to look at the real value of animals ... and people. The goal is to create a world that values diversity.

"Change - Why People and Animals Adapt"

Why does the phrase "things are going to change around here" provoke so much anxiety? Panic mode sets in when our environment changes quickly. Our insecurities can be paralyzing when we face new challenges. The need to control outcomes is a problem we continually wrestle with. People and animals share a common trait in facing adversity -- they are both as unpredictable as nature. This program is a fun way to examine how animals adapt to new environments. By looking at how our natural world deals with change we may be better able to deal with an ever-changing world.

"Respect - How to Earn It and Learn It"

Animals depend upon respect for their survival-when it is safe to challenge a competitor and when is it better to stand down? What do they do to earn it and teach it? Seldom in the natural world do we see unwarranted violence. Their very existence depends on cohabitation. Many species have learned to coexist -- can we? An amusing look at nonverbal communication and how to interpret it.

"One World-We Are Part of a Greater Family"

We are never alone. This program looks at all the ways that people are dependent on the natural world ... and each other. Trust in some of Nature's Critters as they hop, slither or waddle their way into your heart. Sometimes we forget that we are part of a greater family sharing one home. Compassion and respect are emphasized in this engaging program where people will touch and hold some slithery characters.. 

In Julie's informal presentations, "hands-on" table is recommended. A variety of different animals are displayed for people to touch and ask questions about it. It is a one-on-one opportunity for people to talk to Julie about their personal experiences with animals and any environmental issues of special concern to them. In setting up for "hands-on" tables, it is vital that the animals have appropriate shelter and an environment conducive to their well-being. Shade must be provided if the event is to be held outdoors. Extreme temperatures may prevent the animals from being displayed outside.  The variety and number of animals vary with each event and the weather conditions.

Julie Allen has been working with animals and people for over 20 years. She began her career as a licensed Animal Health Technician in a California veterinary hospital. She worked as a licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator in Minnesota caring for orphaned or injured wildlife and preparing them for release back into the wild. She also worked as an Interpretive Naturalist with Hennepin Regional Parks, working with kids, families and schools in providing a better understanding of our natural world. As a Zoo Educator, she co-hosted an award winning show on cable television. She continues to work with educators integrating environmental education into existing school curricula. She continues to work with churches in preparing children (and adults) for the responsibilities we face as stewards of the environment.

Julie graduated summa cum laude from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science degree in multiple disciplines -- Natural Resources-Environmental Studies-Education-Spanish. She also earned a Master’s degree in Education-Curriculum and Instruction. She has traveled extensively around the world experiencing first hand the beauty of our natural world and the tragedy of environmental degradation. She has raised three grown sons and hundreds of critters. Her enthusiasm and love of nature make her an appealing speaker to all audiences.

WHAT ORGANIZERS SAY
ABOUT NATURE’S CRITTERS ...

Thank you so much, Julie for a fabulous presentation that was enjoyed by all! We certainly appreciate you taking your time to educate our guests about the importance of protecting wildlife and the habitats they live in. Thank you!

Heather (Placer County S.P.C.A.)

On behalf of everyone here at L-SWTG, thank you so much for participating in the 3rd Annual Spring Family Festival. Your talents contributed a wonderful element to the day. Families in attendance felt that your presentation was very thought provoking and educational. Children were delighted with the creatures and the parents were delighted by the quality of the presentation. We look forward to seeing you again.

Patty (Organizer of Community Events)

Thank you for participating once again in Oakwood’s Science, Math and Computer Fair. As last year, your wonderful presentation style and critters were one of our most popular events.

Jane (Organizer of Science, Math and Computer Fair)

I would like to thank you for bringing the animals to our classroom so that we had the opportunity to see them and learn about them. It is not that often that we get a chance to do these kinds of things. Many of the students in our class like all kinds of animals. Due to the fact that we have the luxury of having students from all over the world, the wide range of animals was especially interesting.

Some of the students have seen some of the animals that you brought because they live in the part of the world that they come from. Others saw these animals for the first time and they were surprised to learn that they were so friendly, especially the snakes. Many of the students agree that animals are very important to this planet. They also agree that the rainforest is very important to us humans. Some of the students noticed that you care a lot about animals and this is the same way they feel.

If possible, we would like you to return some time and visit us again. We always are grateful to anyone that is willing to teach us something that we would not otherwise have the opportunity to learn. Again, a big THANK YOU for your visit,

Literacy One (Minnesota Correctional Facility) 

Julie,Thank you for being a special guest at our store’s 4th Anniversary Celebration today. Your critters were a perfect fit of our theme of “being in touch with nature.” Thanks again!

Greg and Kay (Owners of Bay Tree)

"In the end we will conserve only what we love.
We will love only what we know.
And we will know only what we are taught."
-Baba Diom