Dr. Nicole Heller, Curator of Anthropocene Studies at Carnegie Museum of Natural History, will virtually present “Who Belongs When No One or Everyone Does? Stewarding Novel Ecosystems in the Anthropocene.“

Conserving biodiversity is a scientifically and socially challenging enterprise. This is perhaps especially the case in the early twenty-first century when global environmental changes associated with the Anthropocene are impacting local ecosystems everywhere. Many ecosystems are characterized as novel; meaning they have unique assemblages of species and altered processes due to human land-use and behavior. Determining “what is ‘natural’” and “who belongs” is not easily addressed using standard categories of native versus non-native that often drive conservation decision-making. Dr. Heller’s research explores the challenges inherent in setting conservation goals and finding effective stewardship practices in a world of novel ecosystems and ongoing global environmental and social change.

The presentation by Dr. Nicole Heller is free and will take place virtually on Monday, March 22 from 12:00 to 1:00 pm. For more information, or to register for your free seat, visit the Stewarding Novel Ecosystems in the Anthropocene event page.