Plants go unnoticed by so many people, which is ironic because without plants we couldn’t survive. To be aware of the different types of plants and their uses not only gives us something to think about while walking, it also empowers us to know plants that can keep us fed and healthy. Plant awareness also connects us to the natural world, something that our modern everyday lives often take for granted. Come learn about a few native Ozark plants, the roles they’ve played through history, and how they can still be used and enjoyed today.
Speaker: Mel Zabecki
Melissa (Mel) Zabecki is the Arkansas State Archeologist. She received her BA in Anthropology from Mount Holyoke College in Western Massachusetts and her MA and PhD from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. She began her career as an ancient Egyptian bioarcheologist, working at various cemeteries around Egypt learning about past lifeways while adjunct instructing at a few different universities. Then she became a Park Interpreter for Arkansas State Parks, where she not only became well-versed in educating the public, but learned about American archeology. Mel joined the Arkansas Archeological Survey as their Education Outreach Coordinator and then moved into the State Archeologist position. As State Archeologist, Mel collaborates with the Arkansas Archeological Survey station archeologists, multiple federal and state agencies, as well as private citizens to help spread awareness of the rich history of Arkansas and the importance of protecting archeological sites from destruction.
This virtual program is Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at noon. The event is free but registration is required. The event is limited to 100 people. Register on the form below. You will receive a confirmation with the login information and another email reminder just prior to the event.