Climate change is predicted to be a major threat to biodiversity in coming years. It is unclear how plant species will respond to this challenge: if they will be able to tolerate new climatic conditions in their native ranges, or if their dispersal and migration capacities will be sufficient to keep up as their preferred climate zones shift northward.
Native plant horticulture in the eastern U.S. provides a largely untapped trove of data on these pressing questions, as many species have been grown outside their native ranges for decades and, in some cases, have even escaped to colonize new geographic areas. These data are helping to recalibrate ecological models and guide the development of new conservation approaches, including controversial steps like “assisted migration”.
Dr. Jesse Bellemare is an assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Smith College. His research focuses on plant ecology, biogeography, and conservation in relation to climate change, as well as ecosystem changes caused by exotic species. He will speak on Friday, November 6 at 7:30 pm in the Campus Center Carroll Room as the Fall Chrysanthemum Show Opening Lecture.
A reception and preview of the Fall Chrysanthemum Show at the Lyman Plant House will follow. For more information visit https://www.smith.edu/garden/Home/events.html The Chrysanthemum Show, featuring ikebana by Smith College Students, runs from Saturday, November 7 – Sunday, November 22, 10 – 4 daily. Friday extended hours 10 – 8. Suggested donation $5.
