Ecosystem Stewardship in an Era of Rapid Climate Change

The most important stewards of Ohio’s natural landscapes are family landowners, not business or government. Climate change poses many challenges to Ohio’s ecosystems, but ecological science and management guidelines now offer sound adaptation strategies to meet these challenges. Enhancing species and structural diversity will promote resilience to the effects of climate change and help preserve the crucial goods and services that Ohio’s ecosystems provide.

The speaker is Dr. Peter Curtis, The Ohio State University professor of plant ecology. He conducts research on ecosystem responses to climate change and directs the Northern Forest Carbon Cycle Research Program in northern lower Michigan based at the University of Michigan Biological Station. He has published widely on ecological responses to rising atmospheric carbon dioxide, how climate and land use affect forest carbon storage, and the role biological complexity and ecological resilience can play in aiding our future forests.

This event is part of the Climate Explorations series of events held during Fall 2014 and Spring 2015 to communicate the science of climate change and its impacts on the Central Ohio community. Climate Explorations is funded by a 2014 OSU CARES Seed Grant.

Attend in person at the Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad St., Columbus; or attend via the web.