Free | Live via ZOOM:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89360095669

Every spring, naturalists seek the friendly faces of Spring Beauty, Red Trillium, and Bloodroot as symbols of warming temperatures and lengthening days. These dense carpets of herbaceous plants  in the forest floor comprise the majority of vascular plant biodiversity in the north woods. Yet past agricultural activity and other contemporary factors have left many modern forests without these plants, and with little opportunity for natural reestablishment. In this presentation, learn about the little-known ecosystem of dispersers, pollinators, seed thieves, and the other characters involved in the ecology of spring ephemerals. We’ll discuss factors affecting plant distribution on the landscape, and explore current research and restoration initiatives around eastern forests.

Co-op members are invited to join the Council’s monthly meetings. Meetings begin at 5:30 in the Co-op’s community room, or join remotely via GoToMeeting by computer at global.gotomeeting.com/join/901596453 or dial in at +1 (872) 240-3212. Access code: 901-596-453

Free | Live via ZOOM:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85454010319

In the botanical wonderland of the Southern Appalachians, plant poaching is a very real threat. It’s also a reflection of how important plants are to the people who live here — providing food, medicine, and income, not to mention cultural connection and belonging, for everyone ranging from the Cherokee to white settlers to newly arrived immigrants. But overharvest threatens to wipe out some species, like ginseng and ramps, even on the protected landscapes of the national parks. How can the parks keep their plant populations safe? And is there any role for cultural harvest inside their boundaries?

We will be closing early at 6pm.

No additional detail for this event.