By Taylor Smith

Russell Juleg, a land steward and educator for the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, will explore the surprising diversity of plant communities in the Pine Barrens region of New Jersey, including historical and current attempts to categorize the various communities, at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve on Sunday, February 23 at 2 p.m.

Juleg will also look at some notable rare plants, which are true endemics to the region. He will discuss how the distinctive ecological conditions in the Pine Barrens, as well as hydrology and fire, created and maintained these communities.

Juleg’s botany education began with organizing and leading a growing number of public educational and recreational programs in the Pine Barrens. A graduate of Texas Christian University, his former positions have included working for 11 years with the Pinelands Preservation Alliance and three years as the managing director of the Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge in Medford. He is currently working on a publication on the subject matter of vascular plants of South Jersey.

The cost to attend is $10 for Bowman’s Hill members and $15 for non-members. Register in advance at https://bit.ly/2UPlPGz.

Located in Bucks County’s historic Pidcock Creek Valley, Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve is recognized for its ecologically-diverse landscapes and features over 700 plant species. The Preserve offers a variety of educational and interpretive experiences geared towards everyone from preschoolers to professionals; guided walks; classes about the importance of native plants to bees, butterflies and birds; expert advice on how to create your own native plant garden; and professional level conferences. In addition, Bowman’s Native Plant Nursery grows more than 200 native species from locally sourced seeds.

Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve is located at 1635 River Road in New Hope, Pa. For more information, visit https://bhwp.org.