When: Thursday, February 20, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.

Where: Marine Discovery Center, 520 Barracuda Blvd, NSB, 32169

Cost: FREE

The lecture is open to the public at no charge and no reservations are required.

“Plants of Canaveral National Seashore” will be the topic of the Marine Discovery Center’s Public Lecture Series for February.

Dr. Don Spence, assistant professor in the natural sciences department at Bethune-Cookman University, will be the guest speaker for the presentation on Thursday, Feb. 20, starting at 6 p.m.

The lecture is hosted by the Marine Discovery Center, located at 520 Barracuda Boulevard in New Smyrna Beach.

Spence will discuss how the book, “Plants of Canaveral National Seashore,” may be used as a guide by residents and plant enthusiasts to identify various species found in the national park, as well as in the surrounding area. Spence is the principle author of the book, along with Dr. Hyun Jung Cho, Sonya Guidry and Ray Jarrett.

A Volusia County native and board-certified Master Arborist, Spence earned his Ph.D. from the University of Florida in plant pathology and has published peer-reviewed research and written articles for magazines relating to Florida’s plants, plant communities and trees. Dr. Spence specializes in the use of native plants in urban landscapes, tree biology and tree diseases caused by fungal-beetle interactions.

The February lecture is open to the public at no charge and no reservations are required. Spence’s presentation will be held at the Hunter Amphitheater located behind the Marine Discovery Center.

Some seating will be available, but guests are encouraged to bring folding chairs or blankets for the presentation. The facility is wheelchair accessible and ADA compliant. Early arrival is recommended.

In the event of inclement weather, the presentation will be held indoors in the Learning Lab at the center.

Copies of “Plants of Canaveral National Seashore” will be available for purchase on the night of the presentation. Spence will be available to sign purchased copies. All proceeds from book sales will benefit Friends of Canaveral National Seashore.

For more information about the lecture, contact the Marine Discovery Center at 386-428-4828.

The lecture is open to the public at no charge  |  No reservations are required