Lunch & Lecture: Brave the Wild River with Melissa L. Sevigny
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As part of the Santa Fe Botanical Garden’s Plants and People Program, join us for a special Lunch & Lecture with award-winning science writer and author Melissa L. Sevigny, whose acclaimed book Brave the Wild River tells the remarkable true story of botanists Elzada Clover and Lois Jotter and their groundbreaking 1938 expedition through the Grand Canyon.
Long before women were widely accepted in scientific fieldwork, Clover and Jotter embarked on a daring 43-day journey down one of the world’s most dangerous rivers to document the canyon’s plant life. Their expedition resulted in the collection of hundreds of plant specimens, the discovery of previously unknown cactus species, and one of the first comprehensive botanical inventories of the Grand Canyon—yet their scientific contributions were largely overlooked for decades.
The Plants and People Program explores the many facets and complex relationships between plants and people, and Brave the Wild River offers a compelling example of how botanical exploration, scientific discovery, conservation, and human perseverance intersect in the landscapes of the American Southwest.
The program begins with a delicious catered buffet lunch, with options to accommodate a variety of dietary preferences. Following lunch, guests move into the theater for Melissa’s presentation and audience Q&A. A book signing with the author will follow the program.
Member Presale Date (July 15-22); Public Sale Date (July 23)
Date and Time
September 10, 2026
12:00pm – 3:00pm
Location: Christ Church Auditorium, 1213 Don Gaspar, Santa Fe
Pricing
Purchasing the book in advance with your ticket is strongly encouraged. Books will be available for pick-up at the event or before the event from our Visitor Center.
Member $65.00
Member with Book $83.00
Not-yet-Member $75.00
Not-yet-Member with Book $93.00
Register here: https://visitsfbg.org/event/lunch-lecture-brave-the-wild-river-with-melissa-l-sevigny/
Long before women were widely accepted in scientific fieldwork, Clover and Jotter embarked on a daring 43-day journey down one of the world’s most dangerous rivers to document the canyon’s plant life. Their expedition resulted in the collection of hundreds of plant specimens, the discovery of previously unknown cactus species, and one of the first comprehensive botanical inventories of the Grand Canyon—yet their scientific contributions were largely overlooked for decades.
The Plants and People Program explores the many facets and complex relationships between plants and people, and Brave the Wild River offers a compelling example of how botanical exploration, scientific discovery, conservation, and human perseverance intersect in the landscapes of the American Southwest.
The program begins with a delicious catered buffet lunch, with options to accommodate a variety of dietary preferences. Following lunch, guests move into the theater for Melissa’s presentation and audience Q&A. A book signing with the author will follow the program.
Member Presale Date (July 15-22); Public Sale Date (July 23)
Date and Time
September 10, 2026
12:00pm – 3:00pm
Location: Christ Church Auditorium, 1213 Don Gaspar, Santa Fe
Pricing
Purchasing the book in advance with your ticket is strongly encouraged. Books will be available for pick-up at the event or before the event from our Visitor Center.
Member $65.00
Member with Book $83.00
Not-yet-Member $75.00
Not-yet-Member with Book $93.00
Register here: https://visitsfbg.org/event/lunch-lecture-brave-the-wild-river-with-melissa-l-sevigny/
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Where is it happening?
Christ Church Santa Fe, 1213 Don Gaspar Ave,Santa Fe, New Mexico, United States
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherSanta Fe Botanical Garden
