Blue Ridge Ecosystems – From Ice Age to the Present

Learn about how our ecosystems have changed throughout geologic history and what effect that has on our current plants and animals. Blue Ridge Ecosystems – From Ice Age to the Present with Dan Lazar Wednesday, November 18 | 1 – 3pm BRN - Core | BREG - Elective Blue Ridge ecosystems have changed dramatically since the end of the last ice age 18,000 years ago. For example, while glaciers still covered northern Ohio and Pennsylvania, the summits of the Great Craggy Mountains, the Black Mountains and the Smokies were treeless and clothed in alpine tundra vegetation, while Mastodons and Giant Ground Sloths roamed the valleys below. As the climate warmed, the plant and animal communities we see today slowly developed. Dan Lazar served for many years as the director of education at the Western North Carolina Nature Center, followed by several years as executive director of the Colburn Earth Science Museum. Dan has a degree in forest biology from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry and has been an instructor in the Blue Ridge Naturalist program since 2005. · Members: Remember to enter your promo code upon checkout to receive your 10% member discount! Email [email protected] with questions. · See a full listing of Adult Education Programs at the North Carolina Arboretum here! Questions? Check our FAQs. · We are committed to fostering a diverse, supportive learning community. If the cost of a class is a barrier for you, please complete this scholarship form and we will see what kind of assistance we can provide. · Follow us on Facebook & Instagram! · Join our Adult Education Student Hub on Discord! · Interested in supporting the NC Arboretum more directly? Donate to the ONE Fund here.