MNPS Program: NatureServe- A Network Approach to Conserving Plants

NatureServe is a non-profit conservation organization whose mission is to provide the scientific basis for effective conservation action. NatureServe and its network of natural heritage programs are the leading source for information about rare plants. NatureServe relies on a network of natural heritage programs to assess the conservation status of plants in the US and Canada.

In this presentation, Anne will describe the tools and projects employed by NatureServe and the Natural Heritage Network to achieve its mission. Specifically, Anne will address methods used to assess plant species’ extinction risk and vulnerability to climate change. The presentation will also include an introduction to Explore Natural Communities (http://www.explorenaturalcommunities.org/), a new way to engage with nature in National Parks. Rock Creek Park in Washington, DC is the first National Park to be featured in this program, which made its debut in May 2015.

Speaker: Anne Frances, Lead Botanist, NatureServe

Location: Silver Spring Civic Center, 1 Veterans Pl, Silver Spring, MD 20910. (GPS device address: 8525 Fenton Street, Silver Spring) It's at the intersection of Ellsworth Drive and Fenton Street.

The meeting is open to non-members.

Registration is not required.