Submitted by the San Juan Island Library.

The San Juan Island Library is partnering with Griffin Bay Bookstore to present a talk by local author Thor Hanson as he dives into his new book, “Close to Home: The Wonders of Nature Just Outside Your Door.”

Though rarely featured in nature documentaries or wildlife magazines, the average backyard or neighborhood park can yield new discoveries. In “Close to Home: The Wonders of Nature Just Outside Your Door,” award-winning author and conservation biologist Hanson helps us retrain our eyes to uncover the hidden wonders of nature all around us.

Traveling across the globe, “Close to Home” provides a guide for backyard biologists everywhere — in urban cities, suburban neighborhoods or rural towns — to observe and explore the flora and fauna outside their doors. Through everyday observations, citizens can make crucial discoveries that help researchers and scientists seeking to learn more about new species.

Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing. The presentation will take place at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 26, at the San Juan Island Library.