Ashland to host second Environmental Lecture Series event

Ashland University is preparing to hold the second event in its 2016-2017 Environmental Lecture Series.

The event will operate under the theme of “In Our Own Backyard, Year 2” and will feature a presentation by Dr. David FitzSimmons, an award-winning author and photographer, who will discuss the ecology of ephemeral wetlands.

Ashland Associate Professor of Biology and Environmental Science Program Directors Dr. Patricia Saunders said that the primary goal of this year’s series is to build upon the exploration of examples of local national history and ecology that will link future issues, questions and plans.

“Vernal pools are numerous in this part of Ohio, but they aren’t very well known,” she said. “Each is typically very small and dries up during the year, yet these habitats serve as relatively safe zones and homes for many unique species. Dr. FitzSimmons has a fantastic perspective on these valuable wetlands, and we are looking forward to getting a peak below the surface of these somewhat mysterious habitats.”

The lecture -- which will take place at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, in the Ronk Lecture Hall in the Dwight Schar College of Education -- is free and open to the public.