Event Description
Ecology of southern Florida Uplands: Pinelands and Hardwood Hammocks: This class will provide an overview of the variety of Pine Forest and Hardwood Hammock ecosystems of southern Florida and the dominant species in each. The physical and biological factors that help maintain these ecosystems and their ecology will be discussed. We will discuss the dominant species in these systems, the factors that control their presence on the landscape, and the ecological importance of this ecosystem regionally.
Ecology of southern Florida Freshwater Wetlands: The different types of freshwater marsh and cypress ecosystems of south Florida will be the focus of this lecture. This course will provide an introduction to the many important ecosystems of the greater Everglades system. We will also spend time discussing the importance and variability of hydrology in these systems, and the role wetlands play in the regional hydrologic cycle. The physical and biological factors that help maintain important ecosystem services will be discussed and evaluated in the context of their importance to the Greater Everglades and southwest Florida’s economy.
Ecology of southern Florida Coastal Ecosystems: Mangroves, Beaches and Dunes: This class focuses on the ecology of south Florida’s coastal Mangrove, Salt Marsh, Beach and Dune Ecosystems and their associated communities. We will spend time studying the factors that drive the key differences between these systems that are so valuable to Floridian society. Attention will be given to the ecology of these valuable ecosystems along with their cultural and economic significance to the Gulf Coast.
- Saturday, January 14 (uplands), 21 (fresh water wetlands), and 28 (coastal wetlands);
- 9 am – 12 pm, Naples Botanical Garden FGCU Kapnick Center room 122
- $15 Member / $20 Non-Members each class (limited to 30 participants)
Brian Bovard is currently an Assistant Professor of Wetland Ecology in the Department of Marine and Ecological Sciences’ Environmental Studies Program at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU). He received a B.A. in Biology from West Virginia University and a Ph.D. in Plant Physiological Ecology from Duke University. Before moving to Florida, he worked as a post-doctoral scientist at several institutions including The Ecosystem Center at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole (MA), The Ohio State University, the University of Michigan and Indiana University. Prior to coming to FGCU, he was a Lecturer of Environmental Studies at Florida International University. His research has focused on the responses of forest ecosystems to predicted changes in atmospheric CO2 and climate, and the role forest ecosystems play in both carbon storage and hydrologic processes. Brian is also working on projects related to the use of native species in green roof design at Naples Botanical Garden.
Registration for Lifelong Learning programs can be completed in these ways:
- Register in person at the Chabraja Visitors Center
- For questions or to register by phone call 239.643.7275 during business hours
- Register by email LLL@naplesgarden.org during non-business hours by leaving contact information and the program(s) of interest and someone will return your call within 2 business days
Registration is complete when payment is received. Certain programs fill up quickly and we accept registration on a first come, first served basis. Register early to ensure your program is not cancelled due to low enrollment. If a cancellation is required a refund will be issued.
Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.
