Uncover the tales behind shark teeth with Calvert Marine Museum Paleontologist, Dr. Victor Perez. Learn about the history of fossil collecting in Maryland, especially the fossil record of cartilaginous fish (sharks, rays, and chimaera). Learn how community scientists have played a major role in documenting the fossil record of Maryland, as thousands collect fossils every year throughout the state. Explore how the fossil data is used to analyze trends in biodiversity, evolution, and ecology.
Dr. Mike Raupp, Professor Emeritus in Entomology at the University of Maryland, explores the natural history, ecology, and behavior of the seven species of periodical cicadas indigenous to North America. Learn about the fascinating life cycle of periodical cicadas, massive synchronous emergences and the cicada’s bizarre strategy for survival. Get ready for their appearance and impacts to people in our region. (And be sure to visit the Cicada Crew UMD website!)
Join Dr. Romita Ray, Syracuse University Professor of Art History, for a fascinating look at the world of tea. How was Chinese tea visualized in 18th century Britain? And how did this botanical "discovery" seed a thriving tea industry in India? Professor Ray will explore the visual world of the tea plantations where plants, animals, and humans have coexisted since the 1840s.
Join Professor Mike Benard of Case Western University to examine the complex biology of amphibians from mating season through tadpole development, past metamorphosis, and over winter. We will unveil the fascinating ways that amphibians communicate, respond to natural challenges, and are affected by human-driven environmental change. From predators to pond drying, light pollution to climate change find out how amphibians are coping.
Join ANS Adult Education Director Serenella Linares to learn about the microscopic heroes that are decomposing plastics, oils, and toxic metals. During this exploration into bioremediation research, we'll explore how microscopic fungi are eating away toxins in the soil.
Enjoy a virtual trip to the White Sands National Park in South Central New Mexico with ANS Naturalist Gail Melson. White Sands National Park is the largest gypsum sand dune system in the world, yet few people have heard of this unique ecosystem. Learn why gypsum sand is so rare and so cool, and discover the wildlife that live in it.
Senior Archaeologist Heather Bouslog explains how archaeology is a public service that promotes social justice now and has done so in the past. This presentation shares how the artifacts recovered from the excavations at Oakley Cabin illustrate a community’s on-going creativity, agency and aspiration to create a space for themselves in society.
Senior Botanist Dennis Whigham will describe efforts to conserve native orchids in the U.S. and Canada through the development of the North American Orchid Conservation Center (NAOCC). NAOCC is based on ecological principles and the participation of community scientists in the collection of the genetic diversity of native orchids and the mycorrhizal fungi that are essential for their survival. Join us for an overview of orchid ecology and NAOCC, including ongoing outreach and educational efforts.
Join Steven Lonker, former researcher at Harvard University, Australian National University and Carnegie Institution for Science, as he takes us to Western Tien Shan, home to exceptionally rich biodiversity, and overflowing with endemic and globally rare species. With spectacular mountains, deep gorges, steppes and deserts, the Western Tien Shan is the place where many edible plants evolved including: almonds, apples, apricots, grapes, irises, pears, pistachios, plums, tulips, and walnuts. Its global importance as a future gene resource for producing disease- and pest-resistance in our food crops, is recognized through its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tom McCoy, Programs Chair of the Mycological Association of Washington D.C., will introduce us to mushrooms that are villains and heroes to human civilization. Ergot and huitlacoche, both parasites of cereal grains, have had incredible impacts on human history due to their close proximity to a choice edible food. Ergot is likely the deadliest fungus of all time, while huitlacoche helped to build one of the ancient world's great empires.
Join Steven Lonker, former researcher at Harvard University, Australian National University and Carnegie Institution for Science, as he takes us to Western Tien Shan, home to exceptionally rich biodiversity, and overflowing with endemic and globally rare species. With spectacular mountains, deep gorges, steppes and deserts, the Western Tien Shan is the place where many edible plants evolved including: almonds, apples, apricots, grapes, irises, pears, pistachios, plums, tulips, and walnuts. Its global importance as a future gene resource for producing disease- and pest-resistance in our food crops, is recognized through its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.