A Public Lecture Series at the Cambridge Public Library
- First Wednesdays of each month, from February through June
7:00 — 8:30 pm - Cambridge Public Library, 449 Broadway, Cambridge, MA
- Each talk will last about an hour with time for Q&A afterward. Author talks typically include sales of the speakers' books.
- Download a Flyer of the 2013 Programs
PLEASE JOIN US — Events are free and open to all.
- June 5
The Restoration of Consecration Dell
Dave Barnett, President, Mount Auburn Cemetery
At the heart of Mount Auburn, Consecration Dell is a landscape of great beauty and a hot spot for birding. Yet not long ago, it was overrun by invasive species and suffering from erosion. With their commitment to stewardship, Cemetery staff have spent over a decade restoring this special place, establishing a thriving community of native plants and improving vital habitat for wildlife. This story is full of lessons about the significant challenges and rewards of ecological restoration. Dr. Barnett is a respected ecologist and horticulturalist, as well as the President of the Cemetery.
Past Programs in 2013
- February 6
Managing Invasives At Home and Around Town
Eric Olson & Josh Ellsworth, Lecturers at Brandeis University and Citizen Stewards
Founder of the Newton Invasive Plant Task Force, Dr. Olson has led substantial volunteer efforts to control invasive species in Newton and Waltham. He will discuss this management challenge, especially the importance of building trust with local Conservation Commissions, and the risks and pleasures of depending entirely upon volunteer labor. Josh Ellsworth will help us understand the ecology of invasives, along with specific techniques for controlling the species we most commonly encounter in Greater Boston. Dr. Eric Olson and Josh Ellsworth both teach at Brandeis University. Lecture Co-sponsored by The Friends of Fresh Pond Reservation.
- March 6
Meadowscaping in Urban & Suburban Spaces
Catherine Zimmerman, Author of "Urban & Suburban Meadows"
Join us to learn why meadow and prairie habitats are so beneficial, both economically and environmentally. Then, consider the benefits of meadowscaping. Ms. Zimmerman is passionate about getting Americans to forgo their devotion to monocultures of pesticide-ridden lawns. She will give us a step-by-step primer on reducing lawn size and installing a beautiful meadow garden in its stead. No space is too small. Join the movement to bring back native habitat for wildlife and human life! Ms. Zimmerman is a filmmaker, author, and founder of the Meadow Project.
- April 3
Landscape Design with the Climate in Mind
Sue Reed, Author of "Energy-Wise Landscape Design"
Learn how to manage your landscape to save energy and reduce your carbon footprint—essential actions in this era of climate change. You can: reduce costs for home heating and cooling; save energy on your gardens and grounds; and choose products with lower embedded energy costs. Your property is full of opportunities to conserve, even if you’re not doing a major renovation or landscape redesign. Come get inspired by new insights and ideas. Sue Reed is a Landscape Architect who specializes in designing beautiful landscapes that are ecologically rich and energy efficient.
- May 1
Go Botany! Plant ID for the 21st Century
Elizabeth Farnsworth, Senior Research Ecologist, New England Wild Flower Society
Imagine identifying plants in the field with your iPad or smartphone! Go Botany is the new definitive on-line Flora of New England for just that. Elizabeth Farnsworth will introduce and demonstrate this richly illustrated interactive key to over 3,500 native and naturalized plants of our region. This tool also includes PlantShare for reporting discoveries, exchanging checklists, and more. This evening will equip you to ID and better understand the many plants you encounter. Dr. Farnsworth is one of New England’s great botanists and Editor-in-Chief of "Rhodora."
Additional Event, Seating, and Parking Info
Doors open at 6:30 pm for general seating. Seating is unassigned and will be available on a first-come basis.
Limited public parking is available to all under the library, with an entrance ramp on Broadway. Fee is $1/hour. Limited metered spaces, as well as Cambridge resident street spaces, are available in the area. Please carpool if you can. The closest T stop is Harvard Square on the Red Line.
THANK YOU
To the Cambridge Community Foundation, the Cambridge Public Library, and to all of our members for helping to sponsor this series. Please Become a Member and help keep this series vibrant!
