By Amanda M. Kuenzi
Mountain Studies Institute
On Feb. 22 from 6 to 7:30 p.m., “Diversification and conservation of rare milkvetch (Astragalus) in the Four Corners region” will be presented by Dr. Ross McCauley in the Center for Southwest Studies Lyceum at Fort Lewis College and on Zoom.
With approximately 60 species, 12 of which are endemic, the Four Corners region is an area of high species diversity for milkvetch (astragalus spp.). This talk will explore ongoing work to explore this diversity with a specific focus on conservation measures for two rare endemics in Mesa Verde National Park.
McCauley is a professor of biology at Fort Lewis College. His research focuses on the use of genetic data to understand patterns of species diversification, particularly in unique endemics, and applies this information to conservation efforts. He has worked with multiple plant groups in the United States and Mexico, and is currently working to understand the diversification of native plants in the Galapagos Islands.
This presentation will be preceded by a short meeting of the Southwest Chapter of the Colorado Native Plant Society and followed by a question-and-answer session. The presentation will be offered in hybrid-format, in person at the Center for Southwest Studies Lyceum at Fort Lewis College and on Zoom.
Please register for the event to receive communications and Zoom link at CONPS.org, and click “Events.”
