Plant Science Conversations: Keeping Tabs on Trees (Online Discussion)

Dr. Murphy Westwood, Vice President of Science and Conservation at Morton Arboretum, and Dr. Susan Pell, Executive Director of the U.S. Botanic Garden
Ever wonder how many tree species are native to the U.S.? And what can be done to protect them? Join Drs. Murphy Westwood and Susan Pell to learn how a team of scientists and public gardens recently created a new checklist of the 881 tree species native to the contiguous U.S. and conducted a first-of-its-kind analysis of threats and extinction risk at the species level. The conversation will highlight how this new, freely available resource can support prioritizing approaches to tree species conservation and forest restoration in a changing climate.

This program is offered as part of the Garden’s week-long celebration of Earth Day. It is also offered as part of the Garden’s partnership with Morton Arboretum and NatureServe.

Dr. Murphy Westwood

Vice President of Science and Conservation

Morton Arboretum

As Vice President of Science and Conservation, Murphy Westwood works to strengthen the Arboretum’s leadership activities in tree science and conservation. Murphy supports the Arboretum’s efforts to improve the health of the urban forest in the Chicago region, ...(read more)

Dr. Susan Pell

Executive Director

U.S. Botanic Garden

Dr. Susan Pell is a botanist, educator, and the Executive Director of the United States Botanic Garden. Susan has traveled the world collecting plants for scientific study. Her research has focused on the Anacardiaceae family which includes cashews, sumac, and...(read more)