Adkins’ 4th Annual Tent Symposium: the Science of Resilience

Learn about the Science of Resilience at Adkins Arboretum’s Fourth Annual Tent Symposium, Nature Lessons

Forests strangled by invasive vines, severe storms and frequent floods, massive wildfires in the West, loss of pollinators—it’s easy to be discouraged by the changes we see in our environment. While change is inevitable, there exists the potential to adapt to a changing environment and develop innovations that will allow us to thrive. Experience a day of education and inspiration when Adkins Arboretum hosts its fourth annual fall symposium—the Tent Symposium—on Sun., Sept. 28.

Immerse yourself in a full day at the Arboretum for Nature Lessons: Looking Toward a Resilient Future. Nature Lessons explores the science behind resilience—in plants and animals, in our climate, and in our communities. Enjoy insightful and inspiring presentations by Dr. Sylvan Kaufman, Holly H. Shimizu and Larissa Johnson. The day’s proceedings will be moderated by renowned photographer Dave Harp and environmental studies professor and legendary nature writer Tom Horton. Participants may also stroll along woodland, meadow and garden paths, visit the Native Plant Nursery and view both the seventh biennial Outdoor Sculpture Invitational exhibit and Burn Time, an event-specific installation by artists Howard and Mary McCoy.

Kaufman will present “The Resilient Environment,” a look at how biodiversity matters in establishing resilient ecosystems, and how climate change forces us to reassess traditional approaches to conservation and restoration. Kaufman consults, writes and teaches about ecology, botany and restoration topics through her business, Sylvan Green Earth Consulting. Co-author of Invasive Plants: Guide to Identification and the Impacts and Control of Common North American Species, first published in 2007, she teaches as an adjunct professor for George Washington University’s Sustainable Landscapes Program and participates on the Maryland Invasive Species Council and Maryland Invasive Plant Advisory Committee. She has worked as a researcher on invasive plant and climate change projects at Harvard University and as the curator and land manager of Adkins Arboretum.

Shimizu, a nationally recognized horticulturist with a rich background in plants and gardens, will present “The Impact of Climate Change on Gardening,” a look at the tremendous opportunities for gardeners to play an important role in plant conservation and contribute to the health of our natural environment. She served as director of the United States Botanic Garden for 14 years, during which time the Botanic Garden experienced a renaissance that included renovation of the Conservatory, completion of the National Garden and countless inspiring and innovative projects. Often recognized as a host of the popular television show Victory Garden, Shimizu has worked in gardens around the world. She has received numerous awards, including the prestigious Thomas Roland Medal for outstanding contributions to horticultural education from the Massachusetts Horticultural Society.

Johnson has dedicated her life to working with and for communities: helping people create sustainable, walkable, bikeable, healthy neighborhoods that cultivate hale and hearty children and invigorate the communities’ livelihood. She currently serves as Coordinator of Climate Change Outreach and Communication for Maryland Department of the Environment. As a leader within the climate movement in Maryland, she is working to cultivate meaningful relationships that will benefit Marylanders from the mountains to the coast. Johnson will present “Climate Change Maryland,” highlighting the accomplishments of Maryland’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act Plan.

Harp and Horton have collaborated on numerous projects, including three books of Harp’s photographs featuring essays by Horton in addition to Swanfall, Horton’s book for children. A lifelong Marylander, Harp operates a corporate and editorial photography business in Cambridge. He also served as photographer for the Baltimore Sun Magazine for nearly a decade. He was awarded the Andrew White Medal by Loyola College in 2004 for his Chesapeake Bay photography and was appointed by Gov. Martin O’Malley to the Maryland State Arts Council.

Horton, one of the most respected nature writers in the U.S., is a professor of practice in environmental studies at Salisbury University. He has received the John Burroughs Award for the best book of nature writing, as well as the David Brower Award from the Sierra Club. He is the author of eight books about Chesapeake Bay and covered the environment for the Baltimore Sun for 35 years. He recently paddled his kayak 550 miles around the Delmarva Peninsula and co-teaches a summer kayaking/camping course: “Exploring Delmarva: A Water’s Eye View.”

The fourth annual Tent Symposium is Sun., Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guided walks will be offered from 10 a.m. to noon, and the Arboretum’s Native Plant Nursery, Visitor’s Center and gift shop will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A catered lunch is included in the registration fee of $45 for members and $55 for non-members.

Advance registration is required at adkinsarboretum.org or by calling 410.634.2847, ext. 0.

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