The Town and Country Garden Club and Cyrenius H. Booth Library invite the public to a free educational seminar entitled "Climate Change's Effects on Local Plants" on Saturday, November 5, at 10 am, at the library, 25 Main Street.register@thepubliccommons.org so that program organizers know how many guests to expect.

The effects of climate change on weather are dramatic changes, but the effects on plants can be elusive for those not watching. Habitats (such as meadows, wetlands, and forests) define which plant species can live there. Since plants cannot physically transport themselves, they're especially susceptible to the effects of climate change.

How do plants respond to climate change? Do these responses change when plants are also interacting to other plants, humans and other animals?

Nora Mitchell, a University of Connecticut PhD student, is doing research focusing on the ecology and evolution of plants in a highly biodiverse region of South Africa. One example is the King Protea, a member of one of the oldest plant families dating back 300 million years.

Ms Mitchell also teaches courses on New England's plants and is involved in projects relating to local invasive species, pollen and seed dispersal.

Light refreshments will be offered as part of Saturday's event.

Registration is requested and can be done by sending an email to

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