November 30, 2013 - Boston Flora

Sunday, December 8, 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm – Explore the Conifer Collection at the Arnold Arboretum

November 30, 2013 by Boston Flora

The Conifer Collection is just off the beaten path, yet offers a lens through which to discover the Arboretum’s history, mission, collections, and research. Robbie Apfel, Arboretum Docent, will lead a walk through the collection on Sunday, December 8, from 2 – 3:30 pm. Meet at the Bussey Street Gate. Observe grand gymnosperms, learn the botany of conifers, and hear about Hemlock Hill’s evolving ecosystem. In case of inclement weather, contact 617.384.5209.This activity is free, but please sign up at http://my.arboretum.harvard.edu/SelectDate.aspx.

Wednesday, December 11, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm – Evolution in a Toxic World

November 30, 2013 by Boston Flora

With pesticides in produce, mercury in fish, and flame retardants permeating our homes, the world has become a toxic place. But as Emily Monosson demonstrates in her groundbreaking book, Evolution in a Toxic World, it has always been toxic. When oxygen first developed in Earth’s atmosphere, it threatened the very existence of life: now we literally can’t live without it. According to Monosson, understanding life’s evolutionary response to environmental poisons and how rapidly or slowly life adapted to such threats can teach us a great deal about today’s and tomorrow’s most dangerous contaminants. Emily Monosson, PhD, is Environmental Toxicologist and Adjunct Professor at University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Â She will speak on Wednesday, December 11, from 7 – 8 in the Hunnewell Building, Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain, and the fee is free for members of the Arboretum, $10 for nonmembers.Â Students: call 617.384.5277 to registerÂ free.Â To sign up, visit http://my.arboretum.harvard.edu/Info.aspx?DayPlanner=1260&DayPlannerDate=12/11/2013&utm_source=November-December+2013+Lectures+and+Classes&utm_campaign=Fall+2013+Classes&utm_medium=email.