Free Lectures at the Arnold Arboretum

We notice some very promising sounding talks coming up and free at the nearby Arnold Arboretum.  And notice the first one is by Ned Friedman, the Arnold’s new director.  But DO register in advance - details below.

Monday, January 10, 6:30–8:30pm

A Darwinian Look at Darwin’s Evolutionist Ancestors, by Ned Friedman, Director, Arnold Arboretum.

Is Darwin truly deserving of his place in history? Newly-appointed Arboretum Director Ned Friedman will examine the question of what set Darwin apart from the dozens of theorists that preceded him.

For over a century before the publication of  On the Origin of Species, naturalists, theologians, atheists, horticulturalists, medical practitioners, poets, and philosophers had advanced evolutionary concepts for the diversification of life through descent with modification. The early history of evolutionary thought will be examined through the lens of Charles Darwin’s highly personal views of his evolutionist ancestors.

Monday, February 7, 6:30–8:30pm:

Restoring Hawaii’s Marvels of Evolution by botanist Robert Robichaux of the Hawaiian Silversword Foundation and University of Arizona, discussing recent efforts to restore Hawaii’s marvels of plant evolution. 

Evolving in splendid isolation over millions of years, Hawaii’s native plants exhibit patterns of diversity that are unrivaled elsewhere on Earth. Especially striking are the many examples of adaptive radiation, in which original immigrants to the islands evolved into dazzling arrays of plants exhibiting great variation in form and habitat preference. Yet, Hawaii’s native plants face an uncertain future. Many native plants, such as the exquisitely beautiful silverswords and lobeliads, now teeter on the edge of extinction.

Monday, February 28, 6:30–8:30pm

The Good, the Bad, and Occasionally the Dead: Humanity’s Relationship with Earth’s Nitrogen, by Alan Townsend, University of Colorado, Boulder

Hear about the occasionally odd, often dramatic history of humanity’s relationship with phosphorous and nitrogen.

How do we live the lives we want while maintaining healthy ecosystems that can support future generations? These challenges will define the coming century, and one of them lies at the heart of the most fundamental of human needs: the need to eat, the good these chemical elements do and the harm they cause, and ultimately, the reasons to have hope for a better future.

DETAILS:  All lectures are free and take place in the Hunnewell Lecture Hall, 125 Arborway, Boston, MA 02130.  Advance registration is required. Contact Pamela Thompson, 617.384.5277.