Ingenious Adaptations: How Plants Thrive in The Desert – Webinar
Are you eager to expand your knowledge of the natural world? Join the California Naturalist and Anza-Borrego: In Focus programs for an insightful evening webinar exploring the remarkable adaptations of desert plants. Dr. Marie Simovich, renowned professor, naturalist, and co-author of the seminal A Natural History of the Anza-Borrego Region, will lead us on a deep dive into what it means to survive as a desert plant in Anza-Borrego. She will share captivating stories about the region’s most iconic plant species, the incredible challenges they face, and the ingenious adaptations that allow them to flourish in such an extreme environment.
The desert is one of the harshest environments for plants, with a delicate balance of low water and high evaporation that creates a hostile, life-threatening atmosphere. In this unforgiving landscape, the quest for water becomes the ultimate survival challenge. To make matters more difficult, desert soils are often nutrient-poor and highly saline, further complicating water uptake. But don’t worry—desert plants are true survival experts! Discover how they’ve evolved to endure these stresses and thrive against the odds.
This webinar will serve as a foundation for the California Naturalist in the Desert course, offering essential knowledge and fascinating insights into desert plant life. The presentation will be followed by an interactive Q&A session, so bring your questions and curiosity. Don’t miss this chance to explore the remarkable resilience of desert plants!
- Unlock Nature’s Secrets: Explore the ingenious survival strategies of desert plants and deepen your connection to the natural world.
- Learn from an Expert: Gain unique insights from renowned ecologist Dr. Marie Simovich through captivating stories.
- Satisfy Your Curiosity: Expand your knowledge of desert ecosystems and engage in an interactive Q&A session.
- Make an Impact: Your registration supports educational programs that increase access to outdoor learning.
REGISTER TODAY!
Date: Thursday, February 27, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Location: Online via Zoom — Instructions to access the webinar will be available upon registration.
Cost:
ABF Member: $7/person
Non-member: $10/person
Student: $5/person
*Please note that as a nonprofit organization, all program fees support the Anza-Borrego Foundation’s current and future educational initiatives, including subsidized programs designed to increase access to the outdoors.
Scholarships: A limited number of scholarships are available for individuals facing financial hardship. To apply, please contact [email protected] with a two- to three-paragraph statement explaining why you wish to attend this program and your need for financial assistance.
Once you’ve registered, the confirmation page will provide a Zoom link to access the webinar. Additionally, a reminder email will be sent to you during the week of the event.
About the Presenter:
Marie Simovich earned her BS and MS degrees from Cal Poly Pomona before completing her PhD at UC Riverside, where she conducted research on a spadefoot toad hybrid zone in the Sonoran Desert. She then went on to pursue postdoctoral research at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, focusing on the genetics of whiptail lizards in the Sonoran Desert. For 31 years, Dr. Simovich taught Population Biology, Conservation Biology, and Desert Biology at the University of San Diego, while also conducting research on the population dynamics of crustaceans in ephemeral wetlands, including desert playas. Her extensive academic and research experience has made her a leading expert in desert ecology.
Cancellation Policy:
To receive a refund, cancellation requests must be submitted at least seven days prior to the event. Unfortunately, refunds will not be provided for cancellations made after this deadline. Please be aware that ABF reserves the right to cancel a program if attendance is too low. In the event of a program cancellation by ABF, a full refund or credit will be issued.
