The commonness of rarity —evolution and endemism in South American clubmosses

A Brown Bag Lecture by Dr. Weston Testo

A conspicuous feature of Earth’s biological diversity is that some species are widespread and common, whereas others are extremely rare and narrowly distributed. Various hypotheses have been proposed to explain this pattern, but data are sparse and taxonomically biased. In this talk, Dr. Testo will explore the commonness of rarity in clubmosses (Lycopodiaceae), focusing on the group’s successful diversification in the mountains of South America and corresponding patterns of endemism in these habitats. 

Twitter: @westo_fernnerd

Website: www.westontesto.com

This lecture will broadcast live on YouTube at https://youtu.be/xoR_Ncbz6Vo. Watchers can use the YouTube chat for Q&A with the speaker.

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Textiles from Trees: Ugandan Bark Cloth

A Brown Bag Lecture by Lesli Robertson

For centuries and into today, bark from a specific tree is stripped, beaten, and used by the people of Uganda. The tree, with its bark removed, does not die, but grows its outer covering back to be used again and again, year after year.

Lubugo, or Ugandan barkcloth, has a diverse history from clothing kings to finding its way onto fashion runways in Europe. Lesli Robertson has been traveling to Uganda since 2005, where she first saw this rust colored cloth folded up in a roadside stall. Since, she has worked with artists, researchers, and community leaders in Uganda to assist in promoting and preserving this cloth.

In this lecture, Lesli will give a behind the scenes glimpse into her work and what she has learned from array of stakeholders who love this material, from fashion designers to 9th generation bark cloth makers. Look for her upcoming Maker to Maker: Ugandan Barkcloth hands-on virtual workshop at BRIT in January. Also, visit her studio, www.mekekadesigns.com, to learn more about her current work.

BIO:

Lesli Robertson is an interdisciplinary textile consultant and project developer who partners with local and international organizations to develop impactful engagement through interactive programs. She has recently worked on projects supported by USAID, the Smithsonian Institution, and Fulbright Specialist program, taking her to countries as diverse as Kuwait, Armenia, Uganda, and Ghana. She launched Mekeka Designs in 2018, creating bespoke textile collections with artisans in Uganda. As a former faculty at the University of North Texas, she spent more than a decade teaching textile and visual arts approaches while developing national and international community programs and opportunities.

Instructions on how to connect are forthcoming. Please check back soon!