Rachel Muir
The WNC Sierra Club invites you to join them on Thursday, November 3, at 7 p.m. for All Things Great and Small: An Introduction to Biodiversity, presented via Zoom by Rachel Muir, emeritus scientist with the U.S. Geological Survey. Dr. Muir will discuss the importance of biodiversity in the Blue Ridge Mountains, why these mountains are so diverse and what humans can and should do to protect them.
“Unique features of our ancient Appalachians include their varied habitats created by geology, abundant moisture and wide-ranging elevational gradients,” says Muir. “A relatively stable climate over geological time has made these mountains among the most species-rich places in the temperate world.”
Many of the region’s endemic species are found nowhere else on the planet. WNC contains more tree species than all of Europe, and more varieties of salamanders, crayfish, freshwater snails and clams than anywhere else on Earth. And, according to Muir, there are many more plants and animals yet to be discovered.
“Knowing that many species, large and small, are imperiled by human actions and indifference, I hope that together we will take steps to preserve our biological heritage,” says Muir. “In my presentation, I will address how we can do so, as individuals and as a society.”
This free program is open to the public. Register in advance at WNCSierraClub.org. For more information, contact WENOCA Sierra Club chair Judy Mattox at judymattox15@gmail.com or 828.683.2176.
