How Protecting A Variety Of Plant And Animal Species Impacts Our Environment

COLUMBIA, SC (MARCH 13, 2007) — Lecture brings top scientist and naturalist to South Carolina. Hosted by The Nature Conservancy of South Carolina, Furman University and Duke Energy, the lecture is on Wednesday, April 4, 6:30 pm at Furman University Center’s Burgiss Theater. The program is open to the public, free of charge. For more information visit nature.org/southcarolina.

Dr. Eleanor Sterling, Director of the Center for Biodiversity and Conservation at the American Museum of Natural History in New York and Neville Peat, New Zealand’s leading nature writer, will deliver A Global Perspective: From Asia to Antarctica: Why does biodiversity matter?

A world authority on the aye-aye, a nocturnal lemur found in Madagascar, Dr. Sterling has conducted ecological, behavioral and genetic studies of animals in diverse regions around the world. Peat, a best-selling author and award-winning photographer, has studied wildlife in New Zealand including the sub-Antarctic islands.

“This is a wonderful and rare opportunity for people to hear from two of the world’s foremost experts on biodiversity,” says Monte Parsons, Donor Relations Manager for the South Carolina chapter of The Nature Conservancy. “The Nature Conservancy is thrilled to be able to offer this program with the support of Furman University and Duke Energy, because it underscores the importance of the work we are doing to preserve biodiversity in South Carolina.”

Among the most significant areas in South Carolina is the Southern Blue Ridge Escarpment, located just miles from the Furman campus. The Southern Blue Ridge is home to the world’s largest variety of salamanders. The Nature Conservancy has worked in South Carolina since 1969 to protect and preserve the state’s most important natural resources. With the support of more than 9,500 members and the guidance of a volunteer board of recognized business and conservation leaders from around the state, the Conservancy has helped safeguard more than 286,000 acres of natural areas throughout South Carolina. The organization works to save priority landscapes, waterways and coastal areas; stop looming threats to these landscapes, including non-native invasive species, fire suppression and alteration of waterways; and protect, steward and restore the health of these places so they last into the future.