Speaking
A dynamic and inspiring speaker, Tim has created a series of slide programs based on the topics of his many books and adventures. He has delivered hundreds of slide shows over the years, and is available to speak at conferences, community or college campus programs, and other venues, including virtual settings.
Current Slide Programs
Wild and Scenic Rivers: An American Legacy
With stunning photos, Tim tells the compelling story of America's premier program for the protection of natural rivers nationwide.
Field Guide to Oregon Rivers
Come with Tim on a revealing tour of rivers all across his home state, with tips about places to explore and with inspiration for all to experience the magic of flowing water.
America’s Great Forest Trails
Join Tim on hikes that reveal the beauty and importance of our most spectacular woodland wonders.
America’s Great River Journeys
From his book featuring 50 of our finest journeys by raft, canoe, or kayak, Tim highlights a dozen extended trips down our longest and most extraordinary wilderness and recreational rivers, Maine to Alaska.
Twilight of the Hemlocks and Beeches
At once an artistic celebration, scientific inquiry, and heartfelt eulogy, this program follows the path of Tim’s book about the problems our most cherished eastern forests face from exotic insects and pathogens.
Our National Forests
In this stunning visual exploration of America's magnificent National Forests from Alaska to Puerto Rico, Tim shows the irreplaceable values of public land to everyone.
Rivers of California
Fabulous photos, stories of adventure, and insights about the problems and promise of free-flowing waters all over the Golden State
Rivers of America
A vivid personal journey about Tim’s passion for rivers and about their crucial importance to all of life
Luminous Mountains
A revealing portrait of the Sierra Nevada in all its glorious moods.
Rates for programs range on a sliding scale.
For more information about fees and availability, please contact Tim directly.
Tim's wife, historian and writer Ann Vileisis, is also available with superb slide programs based on her books. She is the author of Abalone: the remarkable history and uncertain future of California's iconic shellfish (2020), Kitchen Literacy: How We Lost Knowledge of Where Food Comes from and Why We Need to Get It Back (2007) and Discovering the Unknown Landscape: A History of America's Wetlands (1997), which was selected by the American Historical Association as the best book of 1998 by an independent or public historian and was awarded the best book of the year by the American Society for Environmental History.
Presentations online
See Tim's 8-part Great Rivers of the West series, sponsored by the Western Rivers Conservancy.
What people have said about Tim's slide shows:
“A brilliant photographer and prolific writer, Tim Palmer has a special ability in bringing his years of experience to life. To layman and scientist alike, he is an excellent commentator and instills a great appreciation for our natural resources.”
“If one wants to learn about the stewardship of American landscapes, then come listen to Tim Palmer. He brings a conservationist’s heart and a scholar’s mind to every subject he speaks about.”
“Tim Palmer speaks with eloquence that inspires. His clear, passionate defense of water and land makes responsible action possible.”
“Palmer’s stimulating presentation to my natural resource management class was identified as the highlight of the semester. His talks are equally as penetrating and provocative as his books. Both combine technical information with an analysis of why resource situations are as they are. Excellent as a component of a university class.”
“Among the hundreds of public presentations I have witnessed over the past fifty years, I would rank Tim Palmer’s among the top two or three. Our audience was overwhelmed by his stunning photography, but perhaps even more by the force and eloquence of his environmental message.”
“Tim Palmer is a captivating speaker and his presentations and slide shows are a highlight of any conference he participates in.”
“Tim’s words and images bring subjects to life in ways that few speakers can do. He gives a human dimension to complex environmental problems and weaves natural history, geology, sociology, and history into a rich, seamless fabric. My students walk away not only more informed but inspired and yearning to learn more.”
“Like his books, Tim’s presentations reflect his knowledge and passion for his subject. I frequently reference his work for class discussion, and his slide shows are a wonderful illustration of the subject.”
“Rarely have I ever seen a presentation as powerful as the one that Tim Palmer delivered as a speaker in our Bracken lecture series. His message was strong and clear, his words remarkably poetic and resonant, and the images simply stunning. As a teacher who emphasizes communication skills, I sincerely say without exaggeration that I was bowled over—as were the students, faculty, and community members in the audience. We’re still talking about that lecture, as well as about Tim’s visit overall. He’s a remarkable communicator with equally remarkable insights to share.”
“Tim has it all: great slides, engaging stories, and valuable information for our time. Our audiences love him.”