USM, Native Plant Society Hosting Doug Tallamy for Presentation on Biodiversity May 3

Mon, 04/29/2024 - 03:41pm | By: David Tisdale

The Mississippi Native Plant Society (MNPS) is partnering with The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences (BEES) and the USM Center for STEM Education to bring best-selling author and biodiversity advocate Dr. Doug Tallamy to speak at the Joe Paul Student Theater (Thad Cochran Center, second floor) on the Hattiesburg campus Friday, May 3 at 7 p.m. This event is free and open to the public; a book signing will follow Dr. Tallamy’s presentation.  

Dr. Tallamy is a renowned entomologist, ecologist and conservationist and professor in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware. He has authored best-selling books, including Bringing Nature Home: How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plantsand Nature's Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation that Starts in Your Yard. His awards include recognition from The Garden Writer’s Association, Audubon, The National Wildlife Federation, Western Carolina University, The Garden Club of America, and The American Horticultural Association. He is co-founder of Homegrown National Park.

“We’re honored to bring Dr. Tallamy to Hattiesburg so that he may share his vital message of restoring biodiversity to improve planetary health,” said Nadine Phillips, president of the MNPS and an interlibrary loan librarian/assistant teaching professor with USM University Libraries. “His extensive research findings have led to an evolution in gardening and habitat management across the United States and Canada.”

The MNPS was formed in 1980 to provide a forum for learning about the state's ecosystems and the plants that exist within them, provide educational opportunities, and encourage the conservation and utilization of native plants. Dr. Tallamy’s talk will also serve as the kick-off event for the MSNPS Spring 2024 Member meeting, which will take place the next day, Saturday, May 4, in Cook Library Gallery Room 209A on the USM Hattiesburg campus, beginning at 9 a.m. with registration and refreshments. New members are welcome to join for only $10 (annual membership fee).

For more information, contact Nadine Phillips.