The Wild and Weedy Plants We Need for the Future of Agriculture (Online Lecture)

Nan McCarry, Ethnobotanist
Join Nan as she delves into the story of how some plants evolved into domesticated crops — and what we need to think about to keep agriculture afloat in the future. Crop species don't contain a lot of genetic diversity, so their wild relatives, as well as heirloom varieties, have always been key to helping them resist pests and tolerate challenging weather. Learn what scientists are doing to conserve the wild and weedy relatives of crops and how moving into a more perennial system of agriculture with new crops is part of our future.

Intended Audience: Adult All Levels

Saturday, August 2, 2025
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Eastern
Location: Online
FREE: Pre-registration required


Register Here

About the presenters

Nan McCarry

Ethnobotanist
Nan is an ethnobotanist with a focus on the history of crop plants and their wild relatives. Nan earned her graduate degree in geography from the University of Texas, where she researched traditional home gardens in Ciudad Vieja, Guatemala. She is currently f...(read more)