Enchanted Earth: An evening with world-renowned explorers at the Tampa Theatre

Two internationally recognized female explorers with roots in Tampa Bay are coming back to the area for a one-night discussion at one of downtown Tampa’s most iconic venues. With the historic starry sky of the Tampa Theatre serving as the backdrop. “Enchanted Earth, An Evening with Sylvia Earle and Margaret ‘Canopy Meg’ Lowman” will take place on April 30.

Susan Giles Wantuck, a host, producer and reporter for WUSF Public Radio, will host the special one-evening event with Earle and Lowman, who are two of America’s most beloved explorers and conservationists.

Earle, who founded Mission Blue and is currently an Explorer in Residence at the National Geographic Society, began diving in the Gulf of Mexico while growing up in Clearwater. These early adventures helped inspire her career in deep-sea exploration and ocean advocacy. View Earle’s TED talk here.

Lowman, a former CEO of Marie Selby Gardens who founded the Sarasota-based TREE Foundation, is currently the Chief of Science and Sustainability at the California Academy of Sciences. She also served as Climate Science Advisor to Florida CFO Alex Sink under then-Gov. Charlie Crist, and as Director of Environmental Sciences for New College Florida.

Both women are renowned scientists, speakers and authors whose conservation work has helped make them role models for women in science, technology and innovation worldwide.

Explorers and conservationists are especially important to the Tampa Bay area, Wantuck explains, because “we need scientists to help us to understand what is happening with our environment, so we can be more responsible caretakers. I’m a Floridian by birth and I know there is no place else in the world like it."

"Enchanted Earth: An evening with Sylvia Earle and Margaret ‘Canopy Meg’ Lowman'' will start April 30 at 7 p.m. at the historic Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St. A portion of the proceeds from Enchanted Earth will benefit the global conservation and public engagement work of Mission Blue and TREE Foundation.

“Anyone who is curious about the wide world” should consider attending, Wantuck says.

"There’s so much ground to cover, I just hope we can squeeze it all in," she says. “If you are coming to Enchanted Earth, please bring your questions, because we want to hear what’s on your mind.”

Tickets for Enchanted Earth are on sale now at the Tampa Theatre Box Office. GA seating is $30, student tickets are $26.50 (day-of show sales only), and VIP seating is $65. VIP tickets include a pre-show reception with Earle and Lowman at Spain Restaurant, 513 N. Tampa St., from 5-6:30 pm, as well as reserved seating at the show. 

After the intimate disucssion, Earle and Lowman will sign copies of their books, which can be purchased in advance through the bookstore at Oxford Exchange or by calling (813) 253-0222 (ext. 4). There will also be limited quantities available for purchase at the event.