Dr. Lisa Floyd-Hanna will speak about her extensive research on Piñon-Juniper woodlands, including old growth characteristics and challenges.
Piñon-juniper woodlands are extensive across the southwest, highly variable in species, structure, and age – and poorly understood. Some of the most unique woodlands occur in the Mogollon Highlands region of Arizona and New Mexico, where a variety of piñon grows that is distinct from its cousin on the Colorado Plateau. Though one common name for this species is “Two-Needle Piñon,” Pinus edulis var fallax has one and two needles in its fascicles and does not always reach the ancient ages seen in the two-needled Pinus edulis var edulis on the Colorado Plateau. This talk will explore the spectrum of old-growth characteristics in various piñon-juniper woodlands and celebrate our local variety through the lens of 40 years observation and study. Dr. Lisa Floyd-Hanna will discuss what makes an old-growth woodland, how fire influences structures, and what challenges they are facing in current climates.
Doors open at 6:30pm.
*The event is free but space is limited and registration is required to attend. Masks required in the building. The talk will be live-streamed to our YouTube channel for those not able to attend in person.