Profs & Pints Philadelphia: The Life of Urban Ecosystems

Profs and Pints Philadelphia presents: “The Life of Urban Ecosystems,” a look at the biodiversity to be found in cemeteries and other green spaces and natural environments in major cities, with Heather Kostick, associate director of the University of Pennsylvania’s Penn Center for Science, Sustainability, and the Media.

[Advance tickets: $13.50 plus processing fees, available at https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profs-and-pints-black-squirrel/urban-ecosystems .]

The share of the world’s population living in cities is expected to rise from more than half to nearly two-thirds over the next 25 years, but such urbanization does not have to come at the expense of access to natural environments. In fact, many ecosystems thrive in Philadelphia and other cities, offering the potential for encounters with nature.

Gain a deeper understanding of the biodiversity to be found within cities with Dr. Heather Kostick, a scholar of urban ecology, biodiversity, and conservation who has extensively studied Philadelphia cemeteries as urban green spaces.

She’ll start by discussing the basics of urbanization and how people manage natural environments within urban settings.

From there Dr. Kostick will describe various urban ecosystems, some of which are unique to urban settings or serve as especially good homes to certain species. We’ll look at urban wetlands and meadows, but our chief focus will be on urban green spaces such as parks and cemeteries.

Although cemeteries often get overlooked as green space in urban planning efforts, they are important in the grand scheme of things. Dr. Kostick will present research on three metro Philadelphia cemeteries that she studied as part of her doctoral work: Laurel Hill, The Woodlands, and Mount Moriah. She’ll discuss how they’re home to state champion trees, birding hot spots, and various species that have adapted well to city life, such as raccoons and coyotes.

You’ll emerge from the talk more aware of where urban green spaces can be found and with a broader understanding of their biodiversity. You’ll also gain a deeper appreciation of the many benefits they provide, including air pollution reduction, stormwater mitigation, reduction of the urban heat island effect, and improvements in our own mental and physical health.

This talk will leave you eager to explore rich natural environments close to home. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Guests are welcome to arrive any time after 5:30. Talk starts at 6:30.)

Image: Deer are among many cemetery dwellers. (Photo by Cbaile19 / Wikimedia Commons.)