Living on the Edge: Past, Present, and Future Changes of Northeastern Alpine Zones

Alpine zones in the Northeast are small and few, but support distinctive ecological communities and are an important source of biodiversity. However, alpine ecosystems are vulnerable to overlapping forces of environmental change including rising temperatures, CO2 fertilization, variability in air quality and atmospheric nutrient deposition, declining snow cover, invasive species, and intense recreational use. Pulling from over 40 years of research in this system, terrestrial ecologist Dr. Jordon Tourville will talk about how northeastern alpine has developed over time, the ways in which it is currently changing, and what future threats it may be exposed to, and of course, what this all means for the amazing plants found there.

Dr. Jordon Tourville is a terrestrial ecologist for the Appalachian Mountain Club. His research and work aims to increase understanding of interactions between global change and plant ecology, using this to promote better forest management and help protect beloved outdoor spaces.

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