Presentation Topics

Springtime in the forests of Southwest Ohio greets us with brief and sudden flashes of flowers. These flowers are collectively known as "spring ephemerals" because of their short bloom time. Taking advantage of early spring light, before being shaded by the leafing out of the deciduous canopy, these small flowers carpet the forest floor with hues of white, yellow and blue. Additionally, many of these spring ephemerals provide an important early season food source for insects limbering up from a cold winter. This class will introduce the participant to some of these early bloomers and provide information on their life histories.

• Presentation is 1 hour

Plants and birds have a long history of working together. As an example of mutualism, this development and relationship between plants and birds has had far reaching consequences, encouraging co-evolution that enhanced the survival of both plants and birds. "Planting for Birds" explores some of these relationships, tips on how we can grow plants to create habitats to help birds thrive, as well as resources for selections of beautiful native plants that support our local ecosystem.

• Presentation is 1 hour

Let's save the pollinators! Right?... but, who exactly are the "pollinators" around us? How can we invite them into our gardens and encourage their well-being? "Planting for Pollinators" explores the various insect orders and their connections to many of the native plants around us. By introducing our local pollinators and understanding their flower preferences we can begin to create gardens that specifically invite pollinators and promote wildlife experiences. Additionally, pollinator garden design tips, host plants, and numerous examples are included to give the listener some good ideas on where to begin supporting pollinator habitats.

• Presentation is 1 hour

Many plants in our local forests appear to exhibit features that do not quite line up with the animals that live among them. These plants may bear outlandish spikes, or strange uneaten fruits or toxic deterrents, all of which seem out of place. These plants and their fruits may owe their likeness to the megafauna, very large animals, now largely extinct, in North America. "Fruits for the Megafauna" will explore some of the characteristics that indicate an ecological connection between these odd plants and North America's prehistoric mammals.

• Presentation is 1 hour

From our cradle to our graves, trees are with us. Many of our modern homes are still framed by trees but also our literal physiology is created to be among trees. "The Human Connection to Trees" explores our oftentimes unseen connection to Earth's other dominant life form and the positive aspects of having a relationship to trees.

• Presentation is 1 hour