This afternoon talk by Dr. Nathan Rank will give an introduction to Sudden Oak Death in Sonoma County, highlight Coast Live Oak forests in eastern Sonoma County, and delve into the fascinating natural history of the shape-shifting pathogen (Phytophthora ramorum) that causes Sudden Oak Death. After a 45 minute presentation with slides, there will be a question and discussion period.
An expert in biology, entomology, and genetics, Dr. Nathan Rank has been at Sonoma State since 1995. He was director of Fairfield Osborn Preserve from 2000-2007. Dr. Rank is particularly interested in the effects of invasive species on native ecological communities. His ongoing work in this area focuses on the invasive pathogen Phytophthera ramorum, which has spread through Sonoma County woodlands since 2000. He helped bring together researchers from UC Davis, UC Berkeley, and Sonoma State to study the pathogen in Sonoma County oak woodlands, and has continued to collaborate with others to study factors influencing the intensity of infection in Sonoma County. He is currently the Chair of the Biology Department.
Join us for this informative talk! Come early and enjoy the Open House as well (Second Saturday of the Month Open House at the Laguna Environmental Center, 10:00am-3:00pm). See www.lagunafoundation.org
