Titled “Nature,” the webinar will describe how Bay Area scientists are collaborating on ways to protect and restore the Bay shoreline utilizing plants underwater, in the wetlands, and along the shoreline. The results so far tell an encouraging story. Restoring the tidal marshes provides not only resilience to climate change and protection from flooding, but also productive wildlife habitat and increased recreational access to this waterway gem at the heart of our region.

Schedule

9:30 AM (PT) Opening Slide Show

10:00 – 11:30 AM (PT) Program

Program Highlights

  •  Karina Nielsen, professor and director, Estuary & Ocean Science Center, San Francisco State University, will provide an overview of the issues facing the Bay.
  • Dr. Katharyn Boyer, professor of Biology -Wetlands Ecology, Community and Restoration Ecology, will highlight mitigation and restoration efforts using plants as buffers, filters and habitat for the Bay Area biome.
  • Josie Iselin, author of “The Curious World of Seaweed”, will discuss the vital role of seaweed in maintaining our Bay ecosystem while she shares her ethereal photos of seaweed’s shape-shifting colors, revealing a rich botanical world not often seen. Her book can be purchased at Orinda Books in-store or on-line at www.orindabooks.com.
  • Diana Benner and Laura Hanson, co-owners of The Watershed Nursery in Richmond, will provide an up-close look at the native plants they grow, the nursery’s involvement in large wetlands restoration projects, and the use of local native plants in local gardens.

Sponsors

This program is sponsored by Piedmont Garden Club, Woodside-Atherton Garden Club, Marin Garden Club, Hillsborough Garden Club, Orinda Garden Club, and Carmel-By-the-Sea Garden Club. These six organizations are affiliates of the Garden Club of America, whose mission is to “…restore, improve and protect the quality of the environment through educational programs and action in the fields of conservation and civic improvement.”