Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015, 7:00pm
Program: “Research Natural Areas: Gems of diversity in the North Fork-Clearwater River watershed.”
Presenter: Fred Rabe, Professor Emeritus, biology and ecology, University of Idaho.
Location: 1912 Center, Great Room, 412 E. 3rd St., Moscow, ID
Our extensive Wilderness system is invaluable….but how do we protect the smaller examples of diversity? Dr. Fred Rabe has been involved with this question for four decades. One answer, which he discusses in this talk, is the network of Research Natural Areas (RNAs) within the U.S. Forest Service. Establishing an RNA requires thorough documentation of geologic and aquatic features, and of rare biological species or communities—as they relate to the larger ecosystem. It also requires perseverance! Ongoing research in RNAs often includes monitoring, nature-oriented laboratories, and teaching. Identifying the numerous native plants there and comparing them to invasive species littering roads and byways is an example of a recent RNA workshop. Dr. Rabe will discuss these aspects, his work with botanists and with Friends of the Clearwater, and his specialties—the remaining undamaged aquatic areas and the insects and other macroinvertebrates found there.