CULLOWHEE – The co-authors of a new book that examines the plant and animal life of the forests of the Southern Appalachian Mountains will visit Western Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Center to give a presentation Thursday, Nov. 20.
Stephanie B. Jeffries and Thomas R. Wentworth, both members of the faculty at North Carolina State University, will speak at 7 p.m. about their book “Exploring Southern Appalachian Forests.”
In the book, published by the University of North Carolina Press, Jeffries and Wentworth invite hikers and nature lovers to learn to appreciate the rich forest ecosystems and other natural communities of the mountains in new ways.
Wentworth is the Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate Professor in plant community ecology at N.C. State. His principal research interest is the study of environmental relationships of natural vegetation, with emphasis on conservation ecology and biodiversity.
Jeffries is the teaching assistant professor in N.C. State’s Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources.
The Nov. 20 program is being held in conjunction with WCU’s interdisciplinary learning theme for the academic year, “North Carolina: Our State, Our Time.” Programs and initiatives across campus are exploring the state’s history, culture and impact.
The Mountain Heritage Center is located on the ground floor of WCU’s H.F. Robinson Administration Building. The presentation is free and is being co-sponsored by City Lights Bookstore of Sylva.
Info: (828) 227-7129
– WCU
