Many gardeners are seeking ways to preserve the natural habitat of Georgia and help them flourish. To that end, the Redbud Project is seeking the advice of a plant evolutionary biologist.

James L. Hamrick will share his insights on the genetics of Southeastern rare native plants at the second meeting of the Redbud Project Chapter of Georgia Native Plant Society.

A meet and greet will begin at 6:30 p.m. followed by the program at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11, at First Presbyterian Church lake house, 800 S. Enota Drive, Gainesville. The free event is open to the members of the Georgia Native Plant Society as well as the public.

In his presentation, “Using Genetic Analysis to Better Conserve Rare Southeastern Rare Native Plant Species,” Hamrick will address the biology of Southeastern native plants and their importance in preserving Georgia’s native plant ecosystems. He also will explain how genetic studies provide a powerful tool for conserving native plant populations in the rich conglomerate of plant species that were pushed into the geologic Gainesville Ridges, which were created by glacial and tectonic upheaval of the Earth’s crust from the northern zones of Appalachia, Ridges and Valleys, Blue Ridge and Upper Piedmont. 

Recently retired as University of Georgia Regents professor, he is widely recognized for his research on the genetics of natural plant populations of the Southeast.

Contact Pat Ware at 1rbcgnps@gmail.com or visit www.redbudproject.org for more information.