Alva Harris, a New Bern native and environmental ecologist, will discuss his memoir, “Born on a Buzzard’s Stump,” at the Belhaven Public Library.

Harris is scheduled to make his presentation at 6:30 p.m. Thursday. The event is sponsored by Friends of the Belhaven Public Library and will conclude the library’s current N.C. Authors Series.

“Born on a Buzzard’s Stump” chronicles the first eight decades of Harris’ life. Harris will talk about a variety of experiences during his life, experiences ranging from growing up during the Great Depression to becoming the first student to receive a Ph.D. in animal ecology from North Carolina State University.

Mamie Alexander, publicity chairwoman for Friends of the Belhaven Public Library and a former science teacher, said she feels a special connection to Harris’ memoirs.

“It was a story of a man’s outright love affair with nature. From what he stated in the book, there was just a love of nature that went beyond all things,” she said. “He also had a beautiful way with words. He can express what I always felt about nature. That is what got me.”

Alexander said the Friends found out about Harris through contacts within the Belhaven community.

“One of the ladies at my church said, ‘I think I know somebody for your authors series. It’s Alva Harris, and I think he would be perfect to speak.’ We got in touch with Alva.” Alexander said. “I found his book over at Riddick and Windley Hardware. He is also  friends with folks in the community just outside of Belhaven.”

Other North Carolina authors featured by the Belhaven Public Library over the years include Kevin Duffus, author of books on the Outer Banks and Blackbeard; Tom Lewis, author of a fiction series centered the Pea Island Life-Saving Station in the Outer Banks; and Cheryl Cornell, a Hyde County romance novelist.

Anyone interested in attending the event should contact the Belhaven Public Library at 943-2993 or Pat Holz at 943-6900 to reserve a seat.