Perils of life on the shores of Lake Michigan: lessons from a dune thistle

Dr. Binney Girdler, Kalamazoo College

Monday March 18, 2024 @ 7:00 PM

Peoples Church, 1758 10th St. N, Kalamazoo MI 49009, Room 19

(Socializing begins at 6:30)

Cirsium pitcheri is a federally listed threatened native plant, endemic to the dunes of the western Great Lakes. Results of a range-wide threat assessment using long-term demographic data from three sites suggest three take home messages: (1) climate during the non-growing season is important; (2) invasive weevils and changing lake levels exacerbated by climate change are the biggest threats; and (3) island populations in the Great Lakes may be important refuges for this important species.

Dr. Binney Girdler is a Professor of Biology at Kalamazoo College. Her research efforts focus on the structure and dynamics of terrestrial plant communities and the origin and maintenance of diversity in shoreline communities, grasslands, and forests.

All indoor programs are at the People’s Church, 1758 N 10th St, Kalamazoo, 49009.  Socializing begins at 6:30 pm and the programs begin at 7:00 pm.  Non-members are always welcome to join us for programs and field trips.  Masks are recommended but not required in the church.