New York City is filled with wild flora – majestic trees rare wildflowers wetland grasses – that are critical to the ecological function of the City’s ecosystems. Learn about our indigenous plants and why local ecotypes are important. Explore our urban forests marshes and meadows that house these species and threats to these habitats. We’ll also discuss what you as an individual can do including how to go native in the garden and why preserving biodiversity in New York City matters to the health and future of the planet. Marielle Anzelone is an urban ecologist focusing on people’s connections to nature and how design education and government can nurture this relationship. She founded NYC Wildflower Week in 2007 to engage urbanites with the wild flora of the Big Apple. Her writing has been featured in the New York Times and the Daily News. Currently she’s also leading a year-long discussion about trees on The Brian Lehrer Show on WNYC public radio. The lecture will take place Wednesday May 4 2022 at 7PM (Eastern time)