Boston Flora

Tag: Cornell University

  • Thursday, November 7, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm Eastern – Cultivating a Native Lawn, Online

    Traditional turfgrass lawns provide little benefit to native biodiversity, are significant sources of air and water pollution, and require huge investments of time to maintain. In a world grappling with the climate crisis, every action counts, and adopting a new lawn paradigm that champions native biodiversity in your own backyard is a powerful way to take control of your environmental impact. Todd Bittner, plant ecologist, will discuss a visionary lawn paradigm shift – one where lush, low-growing native grasses and forbs take center stage. Explore the journey behind Cornell Botanic Gardens’ native lawn, from its inception to the multitude of benefits it brings, and the invaluable lessons it has taught us.

    This Mt. Cuba Center program takes place online on Thursday, November 7, 2024 at 6 pm Eastern. Todd Bittner is the Director of Natural Areas for the Cornell Botanic Gardens. The Gardens’ Natural Areas program protects and manages a system of preserves spanning nearly 3,700 acres across 40 natural areas. The preserves encompass one-third of Cornell’s iconic campus landscape, including two massive gorges, scenic Beebe Lake, and a renowned wildflower garden, which hosts the Gardens’ “native lawn” that was featured in the New York Times in 2023. Todd leads the protection and stewardship of these lands and the Gardens’ native biodiversity conservation efforts. Todd also directly educates students and the public on natural heritage topics and is a lecturer in the School of Plant Science. Todd is also a conservation scientist with the Center for Plant Conservation, and in 2020, was named a “Conservation Champion” by the Center. $25. Register at https://mtcubacenter.org/event/cultivating-a-native-lawn-online/

  • Saturday, January 20, 10:00 am – 11:30 am Eastern – Sun-Loving Native Perennials, Online

    Many gardeners know that a lot of native perennials grow well in shady sites. However, there are quite a few that also thrive in full sun. Instructor Duncan Himmelman will help participants discover a selection of sun-loving species that will delight the eyes, enhance any garden, and support an abundance of native wildlife on January 20 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. online. This webinar is offered by Berkshire Botanical Garden ($15 for members, $20 for nonmembers) and registration is required by visiting www.berkshirebotanical.org

    Duncan Himmelman earned his doctorate at Cornell University and taught horticultural science at the college level for 24 years. He recently retired as the education manager at Mt. Cuba Center, a public garden in Delaware devoted to native plant advocacy. He continues to enjoy teaching, designing landscapes and promoting ecologically focused gardening practices. 

  • Saturday, September 30, 10:00 am – 12:00 noon – Native Evergreens

    Evergreens are an indispensable part of all home landscapes. They provide year-round color and textural interest, give structure to the garden, and offer shelter and food sources for birds. Learn the cultural requirements, ornamental qualities, and various uses of native conifers and broadleaved evergreens that will boost the aesthetic and ecological value of your property on September 30, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the Berkshire Botanical Garden.

    Duncan Himmelman earned his doctorate at Cornell University and taught horticultural science at the college level for 24 years. He recently retired as the education manager at Mt. Cuba Center, a public garden in Delaware devoted to native plant advocacy. He continues to enjoy teaching, designing landscapes and promoting ecologically focused gardening practices.

    $25 for BBG members, $40 for nonmembers. Register at https://www.berkshirebotanical.org/events/native-evergreens

  • Saturday, April 22, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm – Shade Gardening Basics

    Wondering what plants to grow in the shady parts of your yard? Fear not. An enterprising gardener can create an attractive, ecologically robust and relaxing garden, even in the shade. This Berkshire Botanical Garden class starts by identifying the various degrees of shade you may have and moves on to presenting the best native plants for those conditions. Don’t let a lack of sunlight hold you back! Led by Duncan Himmelman, it takes place April 22 from 1 – 3, and is $15 for BBG members, $20 for nonmembers. Register HERE.

    Duncan Himmelman earned his doctorate at Cornell University and taught horticultural science at the college level for 24 years. He recently retired as the Education Manager at Mt. Cuba Center, a public garden in Delaware devoted to native plant advocacy. He continues to enjoy teaching, designing landscapes and promoting ecologically focused gardening practices. 

  • Saturday, April 22, 10:00 am – 12:00 noon – Get the Dirt on Soil

    Soil is alive with microorganisms that help provide garden plants with the all-important nutrients they need. Learn the basics of soil science (texture, structure, pH), how to foster and maintain soil health, and why a soil test is a great starting point. Discover how to create a living soil and reap its benefits for years to come. Led by Duncan Himmelman. This April 22 Berkshire Botanical class will take place at the garden in Stockbridge from 10 – noon, and is $15 for BBG members, $20 for nonmembers. Register HERE.

    Duncan Himmelman earned his doctorate at Cornell University and taught horticultural science at the college level for 24 years. He recently retired as the Education Manager at Mt. Cuba Center, a public garden in Delaware devoted to native plant advocacy. He continues to enjoy teaching, designing landscapes and promoting ecologically focused gardening practices.  

  • Wednesday, March 29, 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm Eastern – Native Plants for Container Gardens, Online

    Many native plants make great choices for container gardens. From shade to sun, perennials to shrubs, spring to fall, there are options that will bring a host of beneficial insects and birds to your yard, patio, deck, or balcony. Berkshire Botanical Garden sponsors this online lecture, led by Duncan Himmelman, on Wednesday, March 29 from 5:30 – 7 Eastern time. $12 for BBG members, $15 for nonmembers. Register at https://www.berkshirebotanical.org/events/native-plants-container-gardens

    Duncan Himmelman earned his doctorate at Cornell University and taught horticultural science at the college level for 24 years. He recently retired as the Education Manager at Mt. Cuba Center, a public garden in Delaware devoted to native plant advocacy. He continues to enjoy teaching, designing landscapes and promoting ecologically focused gardening practices. 

  • Wednesdays, February 2 – February 23, 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm – Ecology Lecture Series: Invasive and Non-Invasive Plants, Online

    Join the Berkshire Botanical Garden for all four lectures in our ecology lecture series presented in partnership with Tower Hill Botanic Garden. Please note, all lectures are offered online and it is possible to register for individual lectures. The talks will take place Wednesdays, February 2 – 23 from 6:30 – 7:30 pm.

    On February 2, the topic is Iconic Birds of Massachusetts and their Habitat. With a wide range of available habitats, Massachusetts is home to a fascinating array of birds. Join an experienced naturalist from Mass Audubon for an engaging talk about the noteworthy birds of Massachusetts and their incredible life histories. From migration to surviving the cold winters, we will explore the brilliance and challenges of our northeastern birds. This talk will include a captivating slideshow and discussion from a life-long naturalist with a passion for birds. Learn more about these avian friends and where to find them.

    February 9 brings Building Healthy Soil in Harmony with Nature. Soil in many ways is the bedrock of successful environmental systems. Without good, healthy soil, these systems can collapse. Despite the importance of soil, we often don’t take the time to understand how it works, how we can cause it harm, and ways we can improve it. In this webinar we will explore the science of soil, learn what healthy soil is composed of and how it is created, and discover ways to prevent damaging soil. By the end you will begin to see how gardening in harmony with nature can build healthy soil, healthy plants, and rich ecosystems. Lecturer Duncan Himmelman, PhD, is the former Education Manager at Mt. Cuba Center, a consultant on garden design and plant selection, and a frequent lecturer on many horticultural topics. After earning his doctorate in Ornamental Horticulture from Cornell University and serving on the faculty of Olds College for 24 years, Duncan remains committed to nurturing the talents of people who share his love of plants, nature, and gardening.

    February 16 is the date of Invasive and Non-Native Plants with Mark Richardson. A common topic when discussing habitat health is invasive and non-native species. Many of us know some species that we would refer to as invasive or non-native. Many of us have also been told how to think about or manage those species. However, rarely do we discuss what makes a plant invasive or non-native, if that criteria changed, what the data is currently showing about their presence if management practices adjusted with more data, and how climate change is impacting our view of invasive and non-native plants. These are just a few of the questions we should be asking. This lecture will discuss what classifies a plant as invasive or non-native and introduce some of those questions about a subject that touches all of our lives. 

    Mark Richardson has been the Director of Horticulture for Tower Hill Botanic Garden since 2018. He previously served as Botanic Garden Director for New England Wild Flower Society, where he oversaw Garden in the Woods and Nasami Farm native plant nursery. He has a passion for ecological horticulture and native plants and is co-author of Native Plants for New England Gardens (Globe Pequot, 2018).

    The final talk on February 23 is Wildflowers of Massachusetts. This program will feature the native wildflowers of a variety of natural habitats in Massachusetts, including forests, meadows, and wetlands. The emphasis will be on the early-blooming ephemeral wildflowers that will be in bloom in late April and May …something to anticipate in the depths of winter! 

    Ted Elliman worked for many years for Native Plant Trust as a staff botanist, invasive species program manager, and instructor of botany, ecology, and conservation classes. His book, The Wildflowers of New England, an identification guide to the region’s native flora, was published in 2016 by Timber Press. In the 1980’s, Ted started and directed an environmental education and wilderness adventure center in the Berkshires. Since the mid-1990’s, he has periodically led natural history tours to southwest China, where he worked for two years as a teacher and forest ecologist.

    $40 for BBG and THBG members, $60 for nonmembers. Register on either sponsor’s website. The link to the BBG registration is HERE.

  • Thursday, October 14, 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm – Climate Talk: New England Alpine Plants, Online

    Thursday, October 14, 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm – Climate Talk: New England Alpine Plants, Online

    Tower Hill Botanic Garden is dedicated to understanding the ways climate change impacts our world and exploring methods we can use to combat its effects and improve our climate outlook. “Climate Talks” are an opportunity to connect with experts in the field to learn and understand the current effects of climate change and explore ways we can make a difference.

    This October 14 online climate talk will explore the current global biodiversity crisis spurred by human-driven environmental change. This crisis make is critical for us to determine our current conservation priorities and the extinction vulnerability of rare taxa. This talk highlights a framework for understanding the climate change vulnerability of certain plant species, and a research study applying this framework to understand how rare alpine rattlesnake-root plants (Nabalus spp., Syn: Prenanthes spp.) endemic to mountains of the Northeast will respond to ongoing environmental change (pictured below). The results from this study have important implications for the management of these rare taxa. This research can give us insight into how the world is being effected from climate change and the ways our conservation plans can help us manage those effects.

    Speaker Kristen Haynes, PHD is an ecologist and plant biologist whose work focuses on climate change conservation. Kristen’s interest in environmental issues began with early experiences in the Adirondack Mountains in northern New York State, and grew through involvement with her high school’s Envirothon team. Kristen studied Natural Resources at Cornell University and then pursued a PhD at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Currently, as the Assistant Director of SUNY Oswego’s Rice Creek Field Station, Kristen is co-leading a project aiming to restore native tree species to New York State’s canal region for ecosystem, climate, and cultural benefits.

    Free for Tower Hill members, $10 for nonmembers. Register at www.towerhillbg.org

  • Wednesday, October 6, 12:00 noon – 1:00 pm – Implications of Climate Change for Invasive Species Webinar

    Invasive species and climate change are two of the most prominent forms of anthropogenic global change identified by the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. Invasive species have pronounced negative impacts on ecosystems and economies, and these impacts may be exacerbated by climate change. But for most invasive species and invaded ecosystems, the outcomes of this interaction remain unknown. This Ecological Landscape Alliance online presentation on October 6 at noon Eastern will review the current state of knowledge about how climate change influences invasive species as well as describe the work of the Northeast Regional Invasive Species and Climate Change network that is bringing together researchers and practitioners to address this challenge.

    Carrie Brown-Lima is a Senior Extension Associate and the Director of the NY Invasive Species Research Institute at Cornell University. In this role, she works closely with research scientists, state and federal agencies, the NY Invasive Species Council and Advisory Committee, and regional stakeholders to promote innovation and improve the scientific basis of invasive species management. Carrie has over 20 year of experience working with natural resource conservation and management across ecosystems and borders. Prior to her position with the Research Institute, she spent 11 years promoting conservation strategies and partnerships in Brazil and throughout Latin America on diverse programs such as sustainable fisheries certifications, agriculture and conservation, and transboundary protected areas.

    Free for ELA members, $10 for nonmembers. Register at https://www.ecolandscaping.org/event/webinar-implications-of-climate-change-for-invasive-species/

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  • Wednesday, May 19, 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm – I Have a Butterfly Garden: Now What?, Online

    You’ve created a butterfly garden to attract butterflies but how do you know that they’ve actually visited? Caterpillars and butterflies leave clues, both big and small, so get ready to look at your plants like never before! Using monarchs and swallowtails as our main examples, Amy Mawby will explore native butterfly species in all of their life cycle stages and behaviors. Discover how our gardens support butterflies throughout their marvelous metamorphosis. Go beyond your backyard and learn tricks, tools and timing for raising butterflies at home. This Tower Hill Botanic Garden program will be held virtually on May 19 at 6:30 pm. Once you register you will receive a zoom link in the confirmation. This webinar will also be RECORDED and available for 2 months to all registrants. $10 for THBG members, $15 for nonmembers. Register at www.towerhillbg.org.

    Amy Mawby is a garden educator and photographer. Her roots are buried deep in horticulture and she has spent 12+ years leading education and visitor experience teams at public gardens. Amy has most recently worked at Tyler Arboretum and Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve (BHWP). At BHWP, she found a passion for native plants and at Tyler Arboretum she nurtured her love for native butterflies as the staff lead for the seasonal Butterfly House exhibit, as well as in her home garden. She is also a visual storyteller and nature shutterbug. Amy holds a M.S. in Public Horticulture from the University of Delaware and a B.S. in Plant Science from Cornell University.