Eastern Washington Natural Areas - Hotspots of Floral Diversity

This talk by David Wilderman will focus on the floral diversity within the system of state-managed natural areas in eastern Washington. Given their relatively small size, these sites contain a surprisingly large proportion of the native flora of the region, including a number of local and regional endemics. The basic ecology of eastern WA ecoregions and some of the important conservation issues of the region will also be discussed. And, you'll get a chance to escape the winter gloom through a virtual tour of sunny, spring-time eastern Washington.

David Wilderman, Program Ecologist for the Natural Areas Program of the Washington State Department of Natural Resources has worked as a botanist and ecologist in eastern WA, western Oregon and western WA since 1989, including 17 years with the Washington Natural Areas Program. Primary interests are restoration ecology, rare plants, rare butterflies, and fire ecology.

Light refreshments will be served. Come early with your native plant questions and our "Stump the Chump" host will provide a plausible answer or make something up