Steps to Sustainable Living in Southern California

IRVINE, Calif., April 7 /PRNewswire/ -- "Sustainable" is a hot word right now, but what does it really mean? In Southern California we face many challenges to creating a sustainable world, and understanding those challenges is the first step toward sustainable living.  The Orange County Great Park Natural History Lecture Series offers new insights into our Southern Californian environment and ecosystem, delivered by experts in a relatable format.  The free lectures begin April 8th and run through June 10, 2010.  

The lectures will be held at the Great Park Conservancy, as part of their commitment to natural history education and creating a Great Park.  Visit the Orange County Great Park web site at www.ocgp.org for more information and directions.  

Thursday, April 8, 7:00 p.m.

The Role of Plants in Urban Ecosystems

Presented by Professor Diane Pataki, University of California, Irvine

What are the environmental benefits of urban green space?  What species are best to plant?  Can we plant trees and save water at the same time?  Learn about research that measures plant physiology, water use, and greenhouse gas emissions from backyards, parks, and street trees.

Thursday, April 22, 7:00 p.m.

Dangerous Liaisons?  When Cultivated Plants Mate with their Wild Relatives

Presented by Professor Norm Ellstrand, University of California, Riverside

People have genetically changed the plants we use for food and fiber for thousands of years.  New scientific techniques have produced plants whose genetically "engineered" traits are spreading to nearby wild plants.  Learn about this topic, so central to the Great Park agricultural and ecological missions.

Thursday, May 13, 7:00 p.m.

Citrus Goes Global

Presented by Dr. Tracy Kahn, University of California, Riverside

Citrus is so important in California's agricultural heritage.  The University of California, Riverside has one of the most extensive living collections of citrus in the world with over 1,000 different types.  The extraordinary diversity includes "something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue."  Come "taste" the diversity!

Thursday, June 10, 7:00 p.m.

Amphibians and Reptiles of Southern California

Presented by Bradford Hollingsworth, Ph.D., San Diego Natural History Museum

Frogs, salamanders, lizards, snakes, and turtles… How did geological forces affect the development of these incredible animals?  Learn about their amazing biodiversity and forces that shape their lives.  In addition, our region's diverse topography and numerous ecosystems allow for the evolution of new species.

SOURCE Orange County Great Park