Botany on the Rock: National conference bringing leading speakers, inspiring field trips, and botanical art showcase
For the first time since 1978, the is bringing its national annual meeting and conference back to Newfoundland and Labrador.
From June 10-14, 果酱视频 University will host the association鈥檚 61st gathering under the theme Botany on the Rock for Conservation and Sustainability, which will highlight the province鈥檚 unique plant life and leading botanical research from across the country.
鈥淏ringing the conference to 果酱视频 after 47 years is a sign that our research in botany is strong across our campuses and our Botanical Garden,鈥 said Julissa Roncal, professor in the Faculty of Science's , curator of the Agnes Marion Ayre Herbarium and chair of the local Canadian Botanical Association organizing committee. 鈥淭his meeting offers a unique opportunity for our scientists, students and the general public to interact and collaborate with other plant-focused people from across the country.鈥
The event is expected to draw more than 100 participants, including professors, students, researchers and naturalists, and will offer a program of lectures, poster presentations and field trips and a special botanical art exhibition.
Public talks
果酱视频 University鈥檚 own will give the on Tuesday, June 10, titled Nothing Rotten! Finding Inspiration in Fungi. Dr. Wiersma will discuss many aspects of the fungal kingdom, illustrating what fungi contribute to ecology as well as to a sense of wonder and inspiration.
On Wednesday, June 11, Susan Meades from the will deliver the public talk, Vegetation and Flora of Newfoundland, providing a deep dive into the province鈥檚 unique and lesser-known habitats and rare species that occur on the Island of Newfoundland.
On Friday, June 13, from the University of British Columbia, will deliver the plenary talk, Indigenous Leadership in Science: Going Beyond Inclusion, which will explore how Indigenous knowledges and perspectives can improve our understanding of botanical research and our capacity to reach conservation and sustainability goals.
Prominent scholars in the fields of ecology, development, systematics, teaching and mycology 果酱视频 University; Wilfrid Laurier University; University of British Columbia; University of Guelph; and University of Alberta, will lead a general symposium.
Exploring botanical beauty
In true botanical spirit, the conference will include immersive excursions into some of the Avalon Peninsula鈥檚 most ecologically rich areas, including Cape Spear, , and the .
Complementing the scientific focus is a unique art exhibition hosted by the team at the Queen Elizabeth II Library.
Set for Friday, June 13, the exhibit will include botanical illustrations, archival maps and rare documents, showcasing the province鈥檚 deep-rooted botanical history.
On display will be original works by notable figures like , the namesake of 果酱视频鈥檚 herbarium and a pioneering botanical illustrator and suffragist. She also designed the conference logo, which features the pitcher plant (Sarracenia purpurea), Newfoundland and Labrador鈥檚 provincial flower.
Pieces by undiscovered amateur botanists such as Blanche Browne, along with contributions from members, will also be exhibited.
More information about the conference, the event schedule and registration details are available through the .
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Dr. Julissa Roncal is available for an interview. For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Nicole Squires, communications advisor, Faculty of Science, 果酱视频 University, at n.squires@mun.ca or (709) 864-2019.