Biodiversity Science hosts a seminar series that feature speakers on a wide range of topics in evolutionary biology and ecology.
Seminars are open to all and held on select Thursdays at 4:00 pm during the Fall and Spring semesters of the academic year.
Please check-in at the Kiosk and tell Admissions staff that you are here for the seminar. You will be admitted at no charge and directed to the venue. Out of respect for seminar speakers and to limit disruptions, guests of the Botany Seminar Series will not be admitted to the Garden after 4:00 pm.
Thursday
October
31
Research and Conservation of Rare Alkali Wetland Plant Species in the Southern Great Basin and Mojave Deserts
The southern Great Basin Desert and Mojave Desert in eastern California and western Nevada support numerous rare wetland plant species that are vulnerable to numerous long-standing and emerging threats. These narrow range species occur in highly alkaline and saline habitats that are frequently difficult to identify because they support a low density of vegetation and frequently lack surface water. These ecosystems are vulnerable to numerous threats including extraction of fossil groundwater, mining exploration, renewable energy development, agriculture, off-highway vehicle (OHV) use, grazing ungulates, and climate change. Groundwater pumping and subsequent hydrological alteration has been identified as the most significant threat to the long-term persistence of these systems. I will present ongoing research and conservation actions using four species as case studies.
(Pictured: Top: Sodaville milkvetch in habitat in Esmeralda County, NV. Bottom: Nitrophila mohavensis in Inyo County, CA.)