Symposium for the Centennial of Rhodora - April 9-10, 1999

The Dynamics of the New England Flora

In celebration of the 100th year of publication of our journal, Rhodora, The New England Botanical Club sponsored a symposium -- "The Dynamics of the New England Flora" on April 9-10, 1999. This symposium explored changes in the New England flora since the Pleistocene. Speakers addressed climatic, catastrophic, and anthropogenic impacts that have shaped our present flora.

As an added attraction for the Symposium Erika Sonder displayed samples of her remarkable and exquisitely beautiful color laser prints of pressed plant specimens.

Symposium Summary

More photographs of the Symposium.

April 9, 1999

• Geology Lecture Hall, Geological Museum, 24 Oxford St, Cambridge, MA
  
  • Dr. Peter H. Raven, Director, Missouri Botanical Garden
  • "Plant Conservation Globally and Locally"

April 10, 1999

• Geology Lecture Hall, Geological Museum, 24 Oxford St, Cambridge, MA
  
• • 8:30-9:00 AM
    • Registration and Coffee
  • 9:00-9:15 AM
    • Welcome by NEBC President Dr. David S. Conant
    • Moderator: Dr. Nancy M. Eyster-Smith
  • 9:15-10:00 AM 
    • Dr. George L. Jacobson, Jr., Professor of Biology and Quaternary Studies and Director, Institute for Quaternary Studies, University of Maine, Orono
    • "Post-glacial changes in vegetation and climate in northern New England"
  • 10:00-10:45 AM 
    • Dr. Ray W. Spear, Professor of Biology, State University of New York, Geneseo, NY
    • "Implications of postglacial changes in climate and vegetation on the flora of the White Mountains, NH"
  • 10:45-11:10 AM 
    • Break (refreshments provided)
  • 11:10-11:55 AM 
    • Dr. Charles V. Cogbill, of Plainfield, VT
    • "Vegetation of the presettlement forests of northern New England and New York"
  • 11:55-12:00 PM 
    • Morning wrap-up. Suggestions for lunch.
  • 12:00-1:15 PM 
    • Lunch on your own (suggestions for Harvard Square and and other eateries within walking distance will be provided).
  • 1:15-2:00 PM 
    • Dr. Warren H. Wagner, Jr., Professor Emeritus of Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (NEBC member since 1955)
    • "Fifty years of change in RHODORA and the New England flora"
  • 2:00-2:30 PM 
    • Dr. David R. Foster, Director, Harvard Forest, Harvard University, Petersham, MA
    • "Linking the deep and recent past to the modern New England landscape"
  • 2:30-2:45 PM 
    • Break (refreshments provided)
  • 2:45-3:15 PM 
    • Dr. Leslie J. Mehrhoff, G. S. Torrey Herbarium, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
    • "Immigration and expansion of the New England flora"
  • 3:15-3:45 PM  
    • Dr. Richard B. Primack, Professor of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA
    • "Restoring the New England flora"
  • 3:45-4:15 PM -
    •  Dr. Sara L. Webb, Professor of Biology, Drew University, Madison, NJ
    • "The myth of the resilient forest: case study of invasion by Norway Maple (Acer platanoides)"
  • 4:15-4:45 PM -  
    • Dr. W. Donald Hudson, Jr., President, Chewonki Foundation, Wiscasset, ME
  • "New England botanical explorations in the 21st century"