FERRISBURGH — The public is invited to the Rokeby Museum in Ferrisburgh on Oct. 22 to learn about Vermont’s rare and unusual plants with botanist Robert Popp.
Popp tracks and inventories rare and unusual plants for Vermont’s Department of Fish and Wildlife. From mountain-top ferns to wetland sedges, Vermont has dozens of uncommon varieties. Species may be rare because they have particular habitat requirements, are subject to habitat loss, are at the edge of their range, or are vulnerable to disturbance or collection.
Popp’s talk will reminds listeners of the deep interest in natural history of the Robinson family, who occupied the Rokeby homestead off Route 7 in North Ferrisburgh in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Author Rowland Evans Robinson was an experienced amateur naturalist who made an important discovery in 1876. Out on a fox hunt, he discovered a small stand of gray, or jack, pine, which was previously unknown in Vermont. Cuttings collected years later by Charles Faxon made their way to the Gray Herbarium at Harvard.
Popp will speak on Sunday, Oct. 22, at 3 p.m.; the charge for to attend his presentation is $2, or it is free with museum admission.
Rokeby Museum is a 90-acre historic site and National Historic Landmark, designated for its exceptional underground railroad history. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Oct. 29.
More information can by had by emailing Jane Williamson at [email protected].