An old-growth forest is one that has formed naturally over a long period of time with little or no disturbance from humankind. They are increasingly rare and largely misunderstood. Joan Maloof, Professor Emeritus at Salisbury University, Maryland and Founder and Director, Old-Growth Forest Network, makes a heartfelt and passionate case for their importance, defining old-growth and providing a brief history of these fragile ecosystems that now exist only in scattered fragments. She will describe how the life forms in an undisturbed forest—including not only its trees but also its insects, plant life, fungi, and mammals—differ from the life forms in a forest manipulated by humans. The lecture will take place in the Hunnewell Building of the Arnold Arboretum on Wednesday, February 22 beginning at 7 pm. Fee Free for Arboretum members and students, $10 nonmember. Register at my.arboretum.harvard.edu or call 617-384-5277. Image from www.nature.org.