The Sewanee Herbarium will be hosting a series of public events in March and April as part of a celebration of plant diversity on the Cumberland Plateau and specifically the 40th anniversary of the Tennessee Rare Plant Protection and Conservation Act and our discovery of the Sewanee Purple Phacelia (Phacelia sewaneensis) in Shakerag Hollow! The events are sponsored by the Department of Biology and the Office of Civic Engagement.

Join us for an insightful, series-launching presentation by Roger McCoy, State Director of Conservation Programs with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), on Thursday, March 27, from 4:45–5:45 p.m., in Naylor Auditorium (ground floor of Gailor Hall) on the Sewanee Campus. McCoy will discuss “The Role of TDEC in Conserving Plant Biodiversity on the Cumberland Plateau,” highlighting critical efforts to protect the unique and valuable plant communities in our region. Roger McCoy also holds the honorary position of Tennessee State Naturalist.

For many years McCoy served as director of TDEC’s Division of Natural Areas, where he managed and designated state natural areas and led rare plant recovery initiatives. McCoy holds a B.A. in Biology and an M.S. in Plant Biology from Southern Illinois University.

Based on analyses of six floras in the region, the Sewanee Herbarium has concluded that 33 perecent of plant species are considered to be of conservation concern on the Southern Cumberland Plateau. This highlights the need for focused efforts to ensure future protections for these species. TDEC has been a leader in these conservation efforts in our region and has produced significant achievements, including the delisting of the Cumberland Sandwort (Geocarpon cumberlandense) from the federal list of endangered species.

Roger McCoy’s talk offers a valuable opportunity to learn about ongoing conservation initiatives and the vital role TDEC plays in preserving the natural heritage of the Cumberland Plateau. A reception will immediately follow the presentation. This event is open to the public, and all are encouraged to attend.