Kleinhans Music Hall is pleased to welcome Chris Schell as part of the National Geographic Live Speaker Series 2026.  Early bird season subscriptions are now available – purchase yours today!

Thinking that wildlife lives “somewhere else” is an easy mistake. Chris Schell has dedicated his work to understanding and celebrating the surprising wildlife in our backyards. But this show isn’t only an exploration of animal behavior. We go on assignment with Chris to discover the unexpected story of how American history has shaped urban wildlife.

About Chris Schell

Chris Schell is an urban ecologist, professor, Afrofuturist, father, and published author. His research at the University of California, Berkeley, investigates how carnivores—coyotes, foxes, and raccoons—adapt to life in cities. This transdisciplinary work aims to disentangle how environmental injustices have structured our urban ecosystems and how we can harness those lessons to build more just, biodiverse, and resilient cities. He is a Cal Academy Fellow and board member and was a member of the 2021 Grist 50.