Chapel Hill, NC – On April 11 and 12, the North Carolina Botanical Garden (NCBG) will host two events by Joan Maloof, author and ecologist, as part of the NCBG’s exhibit “Among Our Trees.”
On Saturday, April 11, 2‐4 pm, Maloof will discuss her book Teaching the Trees, a collection of natural history essays exploring the interwoven connections between a tree species and the animals and insects whose lives depend on it, and who, in turn, work to ensure the tree’s survival. This event is $15 for non‐members and $10 for members of the Garden.
The following day, Sunday, April 12, 2:30‐3:30 pm, Maloof will return to discuss the remains of the United States’ old‐growth forests and why they are so special. She will also share information about the Old‐Growth Forest Network, an organization formed to ensure that each county in the nation capable of supporting forest growth will preserve at least one forest open to the public. This event, titled “Teaching the Trees: Lessons from the Forest,” is free, but preregistration is required.
Joan Maloof received her PhD in ecology at the University of Maryland, College Park. In 2005, she published her book Teaching the Trees: Lessons from the Forest, which was awarded an Honorable Mention from the Association for the Study of Literature and the Environment. Today, she continues to expand her work in ecology, and is currently dedicating her efforts to establishing the Old‐Growth Forest Network.
“Among Our Trees” runs through May 15 and invites visitors to the NCBG to celebrate southeastern native trees and understand their importance to the sciences, arts, people, and nature. Exhibits, programs and events chronicle the scientific, utilitarian and esthetic impact of southeastern native trees upon biodiversity, ecological well‐being, human survival and artistic expression. The exhibit includes an art exhibition, self‐guided garden tours, garden shop finds, native plant sales, family events, poetry, docent tours, nature trail walks, workshops, lectures, and special guests.