Coastal Carolina University biology professors Jim Luken and Richard Moore will sign copies of their new book about area nature and wildlife, “101 Wild Things Along the Grand Strand,” Tuesday, Dec. 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Coastal’s University Hall Rotunda. The event is free, and the public is invited to bring along any curious items from nature – shells, plants, insects, animals (or photos of them) – for the authors to identify. The identification will begin at 6 p.m.

University Hall Rotunda is located across Chanticleer Drive from Wheelwright Auditorium. Complimentary refreshments will be available, as will books for purchase.

Luken and Moore wrote the guide to help area residents, particularly newcomers, identify and appreciate the wild things and places of the South Carolina coast. Published by PCF Press, the book features 101 descriptions and photos of common animals and plants. There are also tips and suggestions for finding and safely enjoying the special Grand Strand places where animals and plants can be observed.

“The Grand Strand is a tourist mecca attracting millions of people every year,” said Luken. “For many visitors and new residents alike, the animals and plants found around the Grand Strand are unfamiliar and strange. We wrote this guide to help people understand and better appreciate the wild places and things that are found in this part of the state.”

Luken is professor and former chair of the department of biology at Coastal. He received a Ph.D. in botany from Duke University and was previously director of the environmental science program at Northern Kentucky University. He has received the Distinguished University Scientist Award from the Kentucky Academy of Science and was named Outstanding Professor at Northern Kentucky University.

Moore, professor in the department of biology, is also assistant vice president for grants and sponsored research at Coastal. He teaches courses in aquaculture, biology of aging, comparative physiology, vertebrate zoology, ichthyology, natural history of the Eastern Caribbean and current topics in ecology. His research interests include community ecology and subtropical estuarine and marine fishes. He earned a Ph.D. at the University of Texas.

PCF Press is the imprint of the Palmetto Conservation Foundation, a nonprofit membership organization that conserves South Carolina's natural resources, preserves historic landmarks and promotes outdoor recreation and active living.

For more information, call 349-2202.