PROGRAM AT FERNWOOD FEATURING MICHAEL--but no pie :-(

Hey folks--this program will happen the Sunday before we get to see Michael at Bobbi's--sounds like it would be really interesting and educational!


Modern Plant Exploration: Boondoggles or Legitimate Science?
Dr. Michael Dosmann, a former Fernwood employee and present Curator of Living Collections at The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, will present a program at Fernwood on Sunday, May 1, at 1:00 pm. The connections between people and plants are some of the strongest bonds known. We eat plants, we use their fibers and wood, and we admire them in our gardens. Toward those ends, intrepid plant explorers have long searched the wilds for the rare, the unusual, and the magnificent. These adventurers have brought back exclusive 'new plants' as well as amazing stories. However, in this modern age when nature is dwindling and invasive plants are on the rise, many rightfully ask if the goals for plant collecting should change - or if the activity should even take place at all. Dr. Michael Dosmann returns to Fernwood to share his own experiences as a plant collector and botanist. He will talk about how plant collecting might be different than it was in the time of Ernest Henry 'Chinese' Wilson 100 years ago, but it is no less important. In fact, efforts to explore and document biodiversity are more important now than ever before.
This lecture is free to Fernwood members - non-members are $20. Register by Saturday, April 30, by calling 269.695.6491. You must have a reservation to attend, so don't delay!