Cape Cod National Seashore Plant Ecologist Dr. Stephen Smith to Present Climate Change Program on July 25

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News Release Date: July 10, 2017
Contact: Dani Cessna, South District Interpreter, 508-255-3421, ext. 0305

Join Dr. Stephen Smith, Cape Cod National Seashore’s plant ecologist, for a look at how various aspects of climate change have influenced the Cape, with a focus on impacts to kettle ponds. His presentation will be held at 7 pm on Tuesday July 25 at the Salt Pond Visitor Center in Eastham.

Datasets suggest that pond temperatures have increased significantly during the last several decades, while acidity has decreased. As temperature and acidity levels regulate a wide variety of physical, chemical, and biological processes, these changes may be influencing the overall ecology of the kettle ponds.

Dr. Smith has expertise in plant physiology and plant community ecology. He received a B.S. degree from Florida State University and a M.S and Ph.D. from the University of Miami. After spending 5 years working on the restoration of the Florida Everglades, he assumed his current position with the National Park Service in 2002. Dr. Smith’s current activities focus on understanding the dynamics of spatial and temporal variability within plant communities in all the different ecosystems within the seashore.  

This program is part of the annual “Tuesday Nights at Salt Pond” series. Held weekly in July and August at 7 pm in the air-cooled comfort of the visitor center auditorium, programs focus on the diverse natural and cultural resources on the Outer Cape and are suitable for all ages. Programs are free of charge and accessible. The series is sponsored by Friends of the Cape Cod National Seashore.

If You Go: Salt Pond Visitor Center is located at 50 Nauset Road at the intersection of Route 6 in Eastham, and can be reached by calling 508-255-3421. The center is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, with staff to assist with activity planning. Visit the museum, view a park film, enjoy panoramic views of Salt Pond and Nauset Marsh, and shop in the gift and bookstore featuring national seashore-related items. For more information about the seashore’s programs, pick up a copy of “Park News” and the seasonal activity flyer available at seashore visitor centers.

 

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