Everyone seems to have different views about climate change nowadays. How have thousands of years of changing climates shaped our ecosystems and plant species? Which of the current changes are part of natural cycles and which are caused by humans? Let’s explore these greatest scientific experiments and see how they are impacting our plant communities and changing our landscapes.
The good news is there are still plenty of opportunities for each of us to make positive ripples. From native plants to habitat restoration, and from greening urban heat islands to living more efficiently, we will explore the many ways California is combating climate change, drought, global warming, and other environmental stresses, while improving the quality of our lives.
Join professor emeritus, naturalist, and author William Selby, touring with his most recent publication, The California Sky Watcher as we search for some silver linings during these uncertain times. We will end this event with a walk around the Theodore Payne Foundation's demonstration gardens to test our ability to use critical thinking and apply scientific methods to better understand the changing world around us. Bring your curiosity, questions, and input!
This class will be held both indoors and outdoors. We strongly encourage comfortable walking shoes and warm layers. Copies of his book will be available for purchase.
William Selby teaches an assortment of earth science courses (including weather and climate) as professor at Santa Monica College and Visiting Professor at the UCs. Selby has led hundreds of field classes throughout the state and beyond. He has helped establish environmental programs at SMC, served as consultant for films (such as Dry Times) and the community, and produced field guide booklets. His enduring 550-page book, Rediscovering the Golden State: California Geography, is in its 4th edition. He carries decades of personal and professional weather observations and climate research experiences from numerous sources (including the National Weather Service) into his latest Heyday book project.
You can follow his stories at www.rediscoveringthegoldenstate.com .
LA Times Book Review: The California Sky Watcher: Understanding Weather Patterns and What Comes Next
Photo Credit: NOAA/National Weather Service
Refund Policy:
If you are feeling sick or experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, we urge you to stay home, regardless of vaccination status. Please note credit/refunds are not available within 7 days of the event.
