This program is the second of Kestrel’s 2023 Wildlife & Wild Plants in a Changing Climate Speaker Series.

New England is home to some 2,500 native plant species, hundreds of which are considered endangered or threatened within our area. A rapidly changing climate is expected to further stress these plants—and perhaps many other species. What factors can help wildflowers respond and adapt to new climate conditions? How has our local flora already been affected and what can be done to reduce expected future impacts?

On Wednesday, May 3 Ohio State University Professor Emeritus of Ecology Peter Curtis will share his insights on Climate Change Resilience in New England Wildflowers: who among our plants is at risk and why.

New England has a long history of botanical research by both professionals and amateurs, providing a rich foundation for our understanding of past, present, and future changes to our landscape. Professor Curtis will explore these important questions along with a deeper dive into the quixotic biology of some familiar wildflowers likely to face climate change challenges.

Peter Curtis has studied the effects of climate on plants and ecosystems for over 30 years and authored more than 100 scientific publications in this field. He also serves on Kestrel’s Board of Trustees.

Registration is required for this online event, with a sliding-scale donation.