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Amphibians and Reptiles of the Fire Forest
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesThis class will highlight amphibians and reptiles of the Longleaf Pine ecosystem in the southeastern U.S. Focus will be on identification, natural history, ecology, distribution, status, and conservation of those species endemic to, or most closely associated with, the longleaf system.
Hybrid Lunchbox Talk – Boardwalks and Burns: Stories of the NCBG Habitat Gardens
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesJoin former NCBG Assistant Director Ken Moore and current Habitat Gardens Curator Chris Liloia for tales of these iconic collections. You’ll learn what prompted the concept of habitat gardens and the important role fire has played and continues to play at NCBG and in plant communities across the southeastern United States.
Virtual Lunchbox Talk – Fire suppression and reintroduction in longleaf pine-wiregrass ecosystems in Georgia
VirtualLongleaf pine-wiregrass ecosystems of the southeastern United States are adapted to frequent low-intensity fires, which maintain open, savanna-like
landscapes and foster high species richness within the ground cover plant community. Using data from long-term vegetation monitoring plots, we document that fire suppression results in a precipitous decline in species richness after only a couple of missed fire-return intervals. Following 15 years of fire suppression, we reintroduced fire to a subset of plots. Four fires and five years later, we are starting to see evidence of recovery toward pre-fire suppression conditions. Factors influencing recovery include site history, soil moisture, and plot spatial scale as well as midstory basal area, oak leaf litterfall, and ground cover biomass.
Little Sprouts: Salamander, Wake Up!
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesFor ages 3-5 with a participating caregiver. Salamanders are stirring! Discover the mysterious lives of the spotted and marbled salamanders that live at the Garden through animal encounters, stories, craft, and a visit to a real vernal pool to search for salamander eggs.
Build-a-Birdhouse – Family Workshop
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesJoin the New Hope Audubon Society to learn about eastern bluebirds and build a birdhouse for this cavity-nesting songbird. You'll also learn how to monitor and take care of your nest box. All supplies included.
Colored Pencil Techniques for Plants of the Savannas – Virtual
VirtualThis course will focus on drawing botanicals in colored pencil and is designed for artists new to botanical drawing and those wishing to refresh their skills. The course will cover the basic techniques that form the foundation of colored pencil art including pencil strokes, pencil pressure, layering, blending and burnishing. During the three-day program, students will work on two projects featuring plants native to southeastern savannas. Instructor will provide group instruction and individual feedback of student progress. All levels are welcome.
Virtual Panel Discussion – Fire Management of Longleaf Pine
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesThe longleaf pine ecosystem is considered a fire dependent ecosystem. Regular, low-intensity fires are important for maintaining the habitat conditions critical to the survival of related species in longleaf pine forests. Join fire experts from The Nature Conservancy to learn more about why fire is important to longleaf pine and how crews burn to improve longleaf habitat.
School’s Out Camp: Awesome Amphibians
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesDo you know the difference between a frog and a toad? How is an amphibian different from a reptile? Find out as we explore the Garden for frogs, toads, and salamanders and learn about where they live, their magical life cycles, and incredible survival skills. We will meet some amphibians up close and practice our identification skills by sight and sound. Designed for young nature enthusiasts, this day camp offers a perfect blend of outdoor exploration, wildlife discovery, and creative indoor activities.
Hybrid Lunchbox Talk: Biocultural Diversity Conservation for our Collective Future
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesBiocultural diversity conservation is an approach to conservation that centers the deep relationships between human cultures and the natural world. Contained within the world’s diversity of languages, systems of medicine, ritual traditions, and artistic expressions is culturally-specific knowledge about the natural world and its stewardship. Many cultural practices are dependent upon a diversity of biological species, and the continued practice or revitalization of practices maintains the cultural value of nature, and promotes the conservation of biological diversity. A global shift toward a biocultural approach to conservation is vital for biological and cultural diversity, and the health of both humans and ecosystems.
Virtual Webinar – Pine Tree Pharmacy
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesDuring this talk, Mr. Arvis Boughman will discuss plants and herbal remedies, including those of the longleaf pine ecosystem, that members of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina have used for centuries in the coastal plain of North Carolina and continue to use today.