Demystifying Manzanita

The California Native Plant Society (CNPS) invites the public to "Demystifying manzanita (Arctostaphylos): Understanding the dynamics of California's iconic shrubby 'rock star'," a presentation by Dr. Michael Vasey, on Wednesday, January 13, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. at Six Rivers Masonic Lodge, 251 Bayside Road, near 7th and Union in Arcata. Michael is a botanist and coastal ecologist with a long-term passion for manzanita. He, Tom Parker, and Jon Keeley, were responsible for the recent treatments of Arctostaphylos for the Flora of North America and Jepson Manual (2nd Edition). As the centerpiece of his talk, Michael will introduce a recent book, "A Field Guide to Manzanitas," that he co-authored with Michael Kauffmann, Tom Parker, and photographer Jeff Bisbee. Michael will provide the back story behind the creation of the book, and will explain why Arctostaphylos has become an iconic "rock star" of the California flora. Copies will be available for purchase. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. for refreshments, socializing, and sales. The North Coast Chapter of CNPS offers free public programs on the second Wednesday of each month, September through May. 822-2015, www.northcoastcnps.org.