Local plant communities are at risk from multiple invasive species. Discover how to distinguish between native and non-native species. Learn how you can help by incorporating native plants into your yard.
Understand the role native plants play in supporting our ecosystem
What you will learn in this 2 session class:
Session 1
-Learn why native plant species are important to biodiversity and ecosystem functioning
-Distinguish between native and non-native species, describe potential negative impacts of non-native species, and describe key examples in the region
-Survey local plant species in Putnam Park
Session 2
-Design small changes to incorporate native plants into gardens at home and explain why these changes are beneficial
-Use field guides to identify plants in the wild
Who should attend
Anyone interested in learning about sustainable use and conservation of native plants.
Instructors
-
Dr. Nora Mitchell is an assistant professor of Biology at UWEC. She teaches courses on plant diversity, evolution, organismal biology, and bioinformatics. Her current research focuses on hybridization and population genetics of sunflowers in Wisconsin, and has previously worked on sunflowers in Texas and sugarbushes in South Africa. In addition to her academic pursuits, she is an avid runner and ultimate frisbee player, coaching the UWEC college women’s team, SOL.