Photo: MarkRay66 via Pixabay
When: Wednesday, February 22, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Where: Virtual
Tickets: FREE, but registration is required
Co-sponsored with Arlington Regional Master Naturalists
Are They Endangering Our Local Flora and Fauna? If So, What Can Be Done About It?
Speaker: Dr. Bernd Blossey, Professor of Natural Resources and the Environment, Cornell University
Co-hosted by: Arlington Regional Master Naturalists, Friends of Urban Agriculture, MGNV, Tree Stewards, ASNV, VNPS (Potowmack Chapter), Friends of Gulf Branch, and Sierra Club.
Description:
As humans have transformed landscapes, many species have lost their habitats, struggling to survive, while white-tailed deer have thrived. Overwhelming evidence points to high deer populations as a main factor in reducing biodiversity and limiting forest regeneration. Cornell University Professor Blossey, a leading expert on forest health in the Eastern United States, will present evidence for this imbalance and discuss potential solutions. “Deer are charismatic native species that belong in our fields and forests,” Blossey said. “Humans have allowed them to become ecological bullies, and if we are serious about our responsibilities to protect all native species, we need to embrace the need to reduce deer impacts through reductions in the local deer herds.” This presentation, sponsored by a network of Northern Virginia environmental organizations, comes as Arlington County studies the impact of deer. See more on the Arlington Regional Master Naturalists web page at armn.org/deer
Virginia Master Naturalist programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact Sarah Calhoun at: sfcalhoun@vt.edu (703 228 6400) during business hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations 5 days prior to the application deadline. (TDD number is (800) 828-1120.)