Connecticut Forest Ecology Mini-Symposium

REDDING — On Thursday, November 12, Highstead will host a mini-symposium on current forest research in southern Connecticut. Open to the public as well as land trusts and town commissions, the symposium will focus on forest health in southwestern Connecticut, the relationship between Lyme disease and invasive plants, and the effects of deer on forest regeneration and exotic species dispersal.

The program will be held at the Highstead Barn and is open to the public, but space is limited. Reservations can be made by calling 203-938-8809. The symposium will run from 7 to 9 pm.

The specific times of the evening’s events are as follows:

*Opening remarks by Bill Toomey, director of Highstead;

*7:10, “Mitigating Threats to Forest Health in Southwest Connecticut” by Steve Patton, PhD, The Nature Conservancy in Connecticut and director, Devil’s Den Preserve;

*7:35, “Managing Japanese Barberry Reduces Lyme Disease Risk” by Scott Williams, PhD, Department of Forestry and Horticulture, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station;

*8 pm, “Effects of Deer on Oak Forest Regeneration in Connecticut” by Ed Faison, forest ecologist, Highstead; and

*8:25, “Dispersal of Exotic Species by White-Tailed Deer in Connecticut” by Jeff Ward, PhD, chief scientist, Department of Forestry and Horticulture, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.

The Nature Conservancy, in its efforts to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people, is co-sponsoring the symposium with Highstead. Since 1982, Highstead has sought to inspire curiosity and build knowledge about plants and wooded landscapes in order to enhance life, preserve nature and advance sound stewardship practices.