Fall Webinar Series with Iara Lacher
Date/Time
Wednesday, October 4, 2023
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Categories
Join us for a three-part webinar series with Dr. Iara Lacher. The first Wednesday of each month, September-December, will feature a 45-minute talk followed by a Q&A session. Webinars start at 5:30pm and will be recorded.
September 6th: In Consideration of Native Plants for Our Landscapes- An overview on why native plant gardens matter for the health of our ecosystems and ourselves.
October 4th: Invasive Plants and Native Alternatives- The typical neighborhood garden store stocks non-native invasive plants that customers unknowingly buy. This talk provides native alternatives for some of the most popular and disruptive non-native plants.
November 1st: Designing Landscapes with Native Plants- An overview of some of the considerations when planning out your own native plant garden, and when to ask for expert help.
Registration required. Webinar information will be sent to all registrants closer to the date.
About Dr. Lacher
Dr. Iara Lacher is a landscape ecologist with expertise in plant ecology, ecosystem function, land use, and native plant propagation gained through degrees in Botany, Environmental Science and Management, and Ecology. She is the owner of Seven Bends Nursery, a native plant nursery located in the northern Shenandoah Valley, as well as Conservation Futures LLC, where she currently serves as an expert consultant on native plant restoration for the AgriSolar Clearinghouse, a program of the National Clearinghouse of Appropriate Technology. Iara focuses on projects that involve local communities, serving through education and outreach as well as through her roles on the board of directors of two local non-profits: The Friends of the North Fork of the Shenandoah River and the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center. She is established in conservation and planning circles in this region through her research at the Smithsonian Institute, where she worked to connect her science to policy in order to help achieve sustainability goals. Iara’s knowledge of native plants, ecological systems, and plant physiology make her a useful resource as you introduce native plants into your landscape, ensuring you get a garden that is both beautiful and ecologically functional.
Passionate about education and outreach, Iara also loves to share her knowledge with others and has spoken for a multitude of events and organizations such as, but not limited to, the Smithsonian Earth Optimism, Shenandoah National Park Conservation Summit, Mountain Maryland Native Plant Festival, and regional garden clubs. With extensive practice speaking to diverse crowds and having a Ph.D. in ecology, Iara knows how to bring an interesting perspective that is based on science and molded by her love for plants. She hopes to empower individuals to make positive environmental changes and inspire environmental conservation.
*** Be sure to register at least 6 hours prior to the event start time to ensure you get the link to join in time!***
Registration: https://vnps.app.neoncrm.com/eventReg.jsp?event=1365&
*One registration fee covers all three webinars*