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Contact: Dani Crawford, 508-255-3421, ext. 0305
Join Cape Cod National Seashore's Research Plant Ecologist Dr. Stephen Smith on Tuesday, July 12at 7 PM at Salt Pond Visitor Center in Eastham to learn how aspects of climate change have influenced kettle ponds, salt marshes, and nearshore ocean conditions on Cape Cod. There have been dramatic changes in air quality, water chemistry, and vegetation in these ecosystems, which will continue to change with ongoing global warming. Dr. Smith will discuss these changes, and the research and monitoring involved. Dr. Smith has a BS in biology and masters and doctoral degrees from the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami. After spending five years working on the restoration of the Florida Everglades, Smith began working at Cape Cod National Seashore in 2002. In his current position his activities are focused on understanding variabilities within plant communities in all of the national seashore's ecosystems. A significant part of his work involves assessments of salt marsh ecosystem structure and function, and exotic and rare plant management. Smith's program is part of the annual "Tuesday Evening Series" at Salt Pond Visitor Center in Eastham. Held weekly at 7 PM in the summer in the air-cooled comfort of the visitor center auditorium, programs focus on the diverse natural and cultural resources on the Outer Cape. Programs are free and accessible. The series is sponsored by the Friends of the Cape Cod National Seashore. IF YOU GO: Salt Pond Visitor Center is located at Route 6 and Nauset Road in Eastham, and can be contacted 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, visit the park website at www.nps.gov/caco. |
Last updated: June 27, 2016