Please join us for a convening on the Endangered Species Act that will explore the Act’s successes and challenges over the past 50 years and its future directions. This unique event will bring together scholars, policymakers, and conservationists to assess lessons learned and propose innovative strategies for the next 50 years.

Registration is now open. Please register soon because space is limited.

Smithsonian Trees of North America is a new, beautifully illustrated guide to more than 325 common trees on this continent. Join author John Kress for a book talk on this indispensable new guide, complete with hundreds of range maps illustrating where the trees can be found; thousands of photographs of the trees’ leaves, bark, flowers, and fruit; in-depth studies of the trees’ biology, ecology, and evolution; and fascinating discussions of the trees’ future in a world of rapid environmental change. And keep an eye out for several photos taken by our very own Ned Friedman!

Scientists estimate that there are over 7.5 million species of plants and animals that have yet to be discovered and described. But in a world in which extinction may outpace discovery, how can citizen scientists get involved? Join me as I share how residents in Alaska helped me discover and describe a new species of snake worm gnat and learn how you, too, can participate in the scientific process.