Have you heard the phrase “assisted migration” or been advised to plant for a climate south of you? This Mass Pollinators Network free webinar on April 28 with Jesse Bellemare should be a fascinating discussion about what our landscapes may look like in the future and if we can (should?) “help” by planting for a future climate. Register at https://grownativemass.org/Our-Programs/Calendar-of-Events/Climate-Change-and-the-Future-Flora-of-New-England

Jesse Bellemare is a plant ecologist and associate professor in the department of biological sciences at Smith College in Northampton, MA. His research is focused on the ecology of plant range shifts in response to climate change and the novel challenges these dynamics present for plant conservation in the New England region and beyond. Jesse’s research has also explored the role that native plant horticulture has played in facilitating northward range shifts for a number of southern plant species and the complex issues these “neo-native” species raise for management and conservation in the New England flora. In addition to teaching at Smith College, Jesse has also been a visiting faculty member at the Conway School of Landscape Design exploring how insights from climate change ecology might inform design, ecological restoration, and forward-looking plant selection in horticulture.