EcoChats will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a vendor and community organization open house. At 7 p.m., local experts and City staff will present high-energy, short lectures touching on four separate topics. After each session, participants can talk to presenters, as well as browse the open house and enjoy refreshments.

The theme for Jan. 28 is Energy, with the  following four topics:

1. It's Easy to Install Solar!

2. Geothermal? In My Yard?

3. New City Rebates for Electric Transportation

4. DIY Home Energy Audits

EcoChats will also be held at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 26 (theme: water) and Monday, March 30 (theme: reduce, reuse & recycle), at Ames Public Library.