National Seashore to Host Lecture on Climate Change Effects

View from the Salt Pond Visitors Center in Eastham

EASTHAM – A scientist with the Cape Cod National Seashore will be presenting climate change effects on its ecosystems next week.

The seashore’s Research Plant Ecologist Dr. Stephen Smith will discuss how climate change has influenced kettle ponds, salt marshes and nearshore ocean conditions on the Cape on Tuesday, July 12 at 7 p.m. at the Salt Pond Visitor Center in Eastham.

According to the National Seashore, there have been dramatic changes in air quality, water chemistry and vegetation in the ecosystems of the seashore which will continue into the future.

Smith will discuss the changes along with the research and monitoring being conducted.

Smith has a BS in biology and masters and doctoral degrees from the University of Miami.

He came to the National Seashore in 2002 after spending five years working on the restoration of the Florida Everglades.

Smith’s current activities are focused on understanding variabilities within plant communities in all of the seashore’s ecosystems. Much of his work involves assessments of salt marsh ecosystem structure and function, along with exotic and rare plant management.

The event is part of the “Tuesday Evening Series” held weekly through the summer at the Salt Pond Visitor Center.