Ecosystems and Plant Communities

Explore the dynamic and diverse plant communities present in our area. Learn how ecology, geology, hydrology, plants, and animals all interact to create healthy ecosystems through classroom study and field trips. Understand the complexities of these communities and how this information influences your home landscaping decisions. Enrich your learning with resources including the Flora of Delaware Online Database and a guide to Delaware Vegetation Communities.
This program takes place three Thursdays: 6/13 through 6/27 (Rain Date: Thursday, July 11). Lunch included for days 1 and 2, which take place at Mt. Cuba Center. The third class consists of a field trip from 8 am – 6 pm. Please bring lunch and prepare for a full day of hiking. Dress for the weather.
About the Instructors:
Lynn Mahaffy, PhD, earned her doctorate in Natural Resources (Wildlife Conservation) at Cornell University. She currently teaches courses for the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Delaware, including Environmental Biology, General Ecology, and her favorite, Field Ecology, which exposes students to all the fascinating organisms and habitats surrounding us.
William McAvoy is Delaware’s State Botanist. He extensively studied and published on the flora and habitats of the state. He is the lead author on a comprehensive native plant resource, Flora of Delaware Online Database.