Since our conception as a species, humans have relied on plants for every aspect of our existence.

Plants provide us with shelter, food, medicine, and–given the increase of chocolate and champagne consumed this time of year–plants are often used “to set the mood.”  From the age-old theory that the physical appearance of a plant signals the medicinal properties (think bananas) to the consequences of a world that was malnourished, learn why certain plants captured the imagination more than others. This presentation will also investigate the importance of plant biodiversity in our changing world: after all, variety is the spice of life, and we want to make sure there are plenty of plants in the forest! Just in time for Valentine’s Day…

Jessica B.Turner-Skoff, Ph.D., is a crafting fiend, lover of long walks, a crusader for conservation, and a Treeologist (yes, that is her actual job title).  As a science communication specialist, Jessica gets to talk about the wonders of the plant world and how trees (and other plants) keep our lives the way we like it. She earned her doctorate in biology from West Virginia University by studying the social and ecological relationship between American ginseng conservation and surface mining for coal in Appalachia. In her career, she has had the privilege to study the stress levels of wild asses (…think donkeys), coral reef diversity in Hawaii, and climate change in the tundra of Northern Alaska.

This program presented in partnership with the Radler

Show your LOVE for Science when signing up for this program. If you contribute $10 – $50 to C2ST through February 7th, you will be automatically entered for a chance to win a variety of smaller Valentine’s Day themed raffle items. If you contribute $50 or more, you will be automatically entered for a chance to win a Museum of Science and Industry one-year Premium Household Membership, valued at $215. **Please note that due to shipping of perishable items, you must be present for the smaller donation drawing, but we can send the MSI memberhip by mail if you are unable to attend the event on the 7th.