Rich ecosystems of nature that thrive in Northeast Georgia often go unnoticed and unappreciated.

To introduce the treasure trove of native plants and wildlife habitats in the Hall County area deserving of recognition for their aesthetic and economic value, expert Leslie Edwards will present a program Tuesday, Oct. 11, at the Redbud Project Georgia Native Plant Society meeting. The gathering will be at 6:30 p.m. with the program starting at 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 800 S. Enota Drive, Gainesville. The meeting is free.

Edwards will explore how to recognize and protect the natural communities. She will focus on native trees, shrubs and wildflowers thriving in the oak-hickory-pine forests, prairies and wetlands harbors.

Edwards is lead author of “The Natural Communities of Georgia.” Her contribution covers the ecoregions of the Blue Ridge, Cumberland Plateau/Ridge and Valley and Piedmont. She also devotes her efforts to teaching workshops, giving presentations and leading walks that highlight Georgias diverse natural communities. She also serves on or chairs educational committees for several Georgia organizations, works to restore native landscapes and enjoys gardening with native plants.

For more information, contact Margaret Rasmussen at 678-989-1813, redbudproject@gmail.com or www.redbudproject.org.