Native Species or Invasive? The Distinction Blurs as the World Warms
With thousands of species on the move as the climate changes, a growing number of scientists say that the dichotomy between native and alien species has become an outdated concept and that efforts must be made to help migrating species adapt to their new habitats. Read more in Yale Environment 360.
The Past and the Future of the Earth’s Oldest Trees
Bristlecone pines have survived various catastrophes over the millennia, and they may survive humanity. Read more in the New Yorker.
Growing Greener – Ecological Gardens Focus
Last year, Thomas Christopher began an ongoing series of interviews for WESU FM with guests who are engaged with ecological issues surrounding landscapes. He is now releasing them as a series of podcasts at thomaschristophergardens.com. Upcoming interviews will include conversations with Dr. Douglas Tallamy about his new book, Nature’s Best Hope, and with Dr. Elaine Ingham about her work with the soil food web and her Soil Food Web School.
A Native Plant Guru’s Radical Vision for the American Yard
Doug Tallamy asks us to rethink our relationship to plants and animals, particularly the idea that “nature” is something separate from our daily lives. Read more at washingtonpost.com.
Unknown Saviors of the Environment: Thirty-five Men Create a Forest from Barren Land
Without government support or recognition, a group of men created a lush green forest by planting over 1.4 million saplings over the past fifteen years in Assam state in northeastern India. Read more at Mongabay.com.
Salvation or Pipe Dream? A Movement Grows to Protect Up to Half the Planet
Leading scientists and conservationists are proposing that up to 50 percent of the earth’s land and oceans be protected in the coming decades. While some view the goal as unrealistic, proponents say it is essential for preserving the natural systems on which life itself depends. Read more in Yale Environment 360.
Western Monarch Butterfly Population Still at Critical Level
The number of monarch butterflies overwintering in California remains at a critical level for the second year. Read more in Xerces.
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens Offers New Advanced Studies Program
CMBG will offer a new certificate course within Advanced Studies in 2020. Geared toward professionals and students in the landscape industry, Resilient Landscapes in Built Environments will offer tools to create sustainable, health, and long-lived landscapes. It’s a course designed for professional landscape practitioners or those enrolled in a landscape degree who are interested in furthering their professional development and broadening their current practices, and appropriate for everyone from experienced LA, a Landscape Designer, a Landscape or Garden Contractor or a Landcare Consultant. Find out more at CMBG.
Garden Club Federation of MA Announces Native Plant Collaboration
The Native Plant Challenge sets goals for garden clubs throughout the state to learn about native plants, identify ones appropriate for their locations, and design and implement native plant gardens in their communities. Partnering organizations include Native Plant Trust and Grow Native Massachusetts. Find out more at GCFM.org.
Handbook on Caring for Natural Lands
After decades caring for tens-of-thousands of acres of woodlands, fields, and streams, the Natural Lands Trust shares their knowledge in Land for Life, available as a download or for purchase as a bound copy. Find out more at natlands.org.
Calls for Presentations
Integrated Pest Management Symposium
Proposals are invited for the 10th International Integrated Pest Management Symposium -Implementing IPM across Borders and Disciplines to be held March 15-18, 2021 in Denver, CO). Sessions or individual presentations can address any aspect of IPM, such as research, Extension, regulatory actions, policy, and IPM in practice. Find out more at ipmsymposium.org.
National Land Conservation Conference
Rally 2020, the National Land Conservation Conference, seeks presentation proposals addressing how land trusts can plan engage, adapt, mitigate, and address inclusion and climate change. Find out more at alliancerally.org.
