Reminder: there will be no meetings in January, February or March.

April 9, 2019* Tuesday, 7:30 PM
Marie George: “Are Plants Sentient?”
Recently, a number of biologists have claimed that plants are sentient (able to perceive or feel things). For example, Daniel Chamovitz claims that the dodder sniffs out its host and Peter Wohlleben maintains that certain plants taste the saliva of insects chewing on them. A number of scientific papers appear to show that plants are capable of habituation and classical conditioning, which seems to indicate that they are sentient. Nevertheless, many biologists and philosophers remain skeptical. Marie is Professor of Philosophy at St. John’s University and holds an MA in biology from Queens College, NY. Originally from California, and an avid hiker from an early age, Marie got interested in botany while in grad school upon finally noticing the fine details that differentiate plants. After getting tenure in the St. John’s philosophy department, she pursued her interest in plants while studying biology at Queens College. Marie is an organic gardener and sometimes teaches environmental ethics.
Location: Bill Paterson Nature Center, Muttontown Preserve, East Norwich

May 14, 2019* Tuesday, 7:30 PM
Andrew Leslie: "Late Cretaceous Plant Fossils from Garvies Point, Long Island."
Collections were made and analyzed of Late Cretaceous clays and lignites from Garvies Point, Long Island, which contained a variety of micro and meso scale fossils. These include several kinds of charcoalified fossil flowers, although angiosperm fossils are rare in general. The most common fossils in the assemblage are megaspores of lycopsids and Marsiliaceous water ferns, which suggest a wet habitat with numerous aquatic pteridophytes. Andrew is a paleobotanist at Brown University who specializes in gymnosperms. Most of his work has focused on understanding the evolution of conifer reproductive structures by combining data from the fossil record with studies of how cones function in living species. In addition to working on fossils from New England, he has also collected fossils in Mongolia, Patagonia, and New Caledonia.
Location: Bill Paterson Nature Center, Muttontown Preserve, East Norwich

June 11, 2019* Tuesday, 5:30 PM (please note early start time for the barbecue)
Annual Barbeque
The annual barbecue, featuring Chef Eric's made-to-order hot dogs and hamburgers. Salads, deviled eggs, desserts, etc. gladly accepted. The traditional location—on the green behind the Muttontown Preserve meeting house.
Location: Bill Paterson Nature Center, Muttontown Preserve, East Norwich

CANCELLED September 10, 2019* Tuesday, 7:30 PM Add to Calendar
Rich Ring: “Rare Plants in Long Island State Parks.”
This presentation will highlight the rare flora of Long Island, with an emphasis on State parks. Attention will be given to both recent discoveries and historical records. Rich has been a Botanist with the NY Natural Heritage Program since 2006. Previously, he worked as a field ornithologist, ecologist, and botanist in Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Michigan, and Alaska. He currently resides in Troy, NY.
Location: Bill Paterson Nature Center, Muttontown Preserve, East Norwich

October 8, 2019* Tuesday, 7:30 PM Add to Calendar
Andrew Greller: “Wildflowers of the Island of Crete, Greece.”
This talk will cover the mountains and seashore habitats of Crete, with many orchid species highlighted from this Bob Gibbons led trip. Coverage will include the Sclerophyll Woodlands of Mediterranean evergreens and the Garrigue shrublands or chaparral type habitats. Andy is Vice President of LIBS and Professor Emeritus in Biology at Queens College. In 2018 he became the first recipient of the Torrey Botanical Society's Distinguished Service Award.
Location: Bill Paterson Nature Center, Muttontown Preserve, East Norwich

November 12, 2019 * Tuesday, 7:30 PM Add to Calendar
Daniel Atha: “New York’s Worst Invasives No One Has Ever Heard Of”
Eleven non-native plant species have recently been discovered in New York City. Some are highly invasive and pose a serious threat to garden and natural areas. Hear how they were discovered and learn the key characters for identification. Daniel Atha (of The New York Botanical Garden) co-manages the New York City EcoFlora, a community science project to document the wild flora of New York City.

LIBS will be treating Daniel to dinner at 6 pm near Muttontown Preserve. If interested in joining us please email Eric Lamont.
Location: Bill Paterson Nature Center, Muttontown Preserve, East Norwich

CANCELLEDApril 14, 2020* Tuesday, 7:30 PM
Andrew Greller: “Great Ferns I have Known.”
Ferns occupy niches in almost every terrestrial ecosystem. Their forms vary from tall trees to paper- thin epiphytic “films.” Ferns formed the first land forests in Earth’s history. They are perhaps the most beautiful leaf forms among plants today. Long Island is yfortunate to have many fern families represented in its flora. We will review the great taxonomic diversity of ferns, their life cycle, ecological niches, and their geological history. Andy is Vice President of LIBS and Professor Emeritus of Biology, Queens College, CUNY.
Location: Bill Paterson Nature Center, Muttontown Preserve, East Norwich

*Refreshments and informal talk begin at 7:30.
Formal meeting starts at 8:00 PM.
Directions to Muttontown: 516-354-6506

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LIBS Speakers' Bureau