8/1/2020
9:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Excursion: Establishing a New Species, Firelily in the Sandhills
This three stop excursion to the NC Sandhills will introduce you to this distinctive, biologically rich region of the state and to a newly described species of lily – the firelily. We will visit two populations of this rare lily and see firsthand how it 'fits' into the unusual scenario of requiring wet soil yet also needing fire or other disturbance to reproduce. We will observe how it competes with neighboring shrubs and other plants, discuss its life cycle, and relate why it is a rare plant range-wide. The specialized 'streamhead pocosin' habitat supports a fascinating collection of plant species; among those we hope to see are white-fringed and orange-fringed orchids. Directions to the meeting location will be sent by email in advance of the event date.

8/13/2020
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

LUNCHBOX Talk: Wildflowers of the Eno River Diabase Area
The Eno River Diabase area is home to remarkable plant diversity, driven by the unique geology and soils found here. The NC Plant Conservation Program and its partners have been working together to protect this area and the species which make it so special. Lesley will provide a history of the conservation and protection efforts in this area, share current management and research endeavors, and end with information about how you can get involved.

8/15/2020
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Coker Arboretum Tour
Take a tour of this gem on the UNC campus with a Coker Arboretum curator! This walking tour will explore the 5-acres that make up the Arboretum, allowing time for observation and discussion. Each tour differs as wildflowers bloom and the gardens change through the seasons.

8/22/2020
12:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Flying Jewels and Wildflowers in the Garden: The Science of Banding Hummingbirds
Discover how researchers band ruby-throated hummingbirds, North Carolina’s only native hummingbird. Meet local ruby-throated hummingbirds and witness up-close how researchers trap, handle, and band these tiny birds for data recording. Learn about their fascinating lives and hear about native wildflowers and woody plants that provide nectar and fulfill habitat needs.

9/19/2020
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Local Excursion: Early Autumn Wildflowers and Vegetation in the Eno Diabase Area
The Eno River Diabase Sill Natural Area is located in Durham County. Many may be familiar with the Penny’s Bend Nature Preserve, which is at the heart of this important rare plant area. There are several additional protected properties in this vicinity including the Eno River Diabase Sill and Hebron Road Plant Conservation Preserves owned and managed by the NC Plant Conservation Program, and the Blue Indigo Slopes Nature Preserve owned and managed by the Eno River Association, to name a few. Each of the partners in this area have contributed significantly to the overall conservation success story. Circumneutral soils, derived from diabase substrate, are a shared key feature of these sites, allowing many rare prairie-affiliated plant populations to flourish. Most notable is the federally endangered smooth coneflower (Echinacea laevigata), but there are 23 additional rare plant species in this area. Our autumn tour will highlight fall wildflowers and the beauty of these special places in fruit. Transportation not included. We will meet at the site. Directions to the meeting site will be provided by email before the event date.