IOS Webinar #3: GCCO Metacollections and Gap Analysis; the Oaks of San Antonio Botanical Garden

The IOS is pleased to announce our third virtual event, again co-hosted with the Global Conservation Consortium for Oak (GCCO), which will take place over Zoom at 10 am US Central Time on February 22, 2024. 

In this webinar, a team from GCCO will present their work on the metacollection concept and on the gap analysis in Mexico and Central America: Amy Byrne, lead coordinator for the GCCO, will introduce the global threat to trees and what is being done to address these threats at The Morton Arboretum through the Global Tree Conservation Program; Kate Good, research assistant in the Global Tree Conservation Program, will present preliminary results of the Conservation Gap Analysis of Mesoamerican Oaks, including the estimated and ecological representation of 59 threatened and Data Deficient oak species in ex-situ collections; finally Karina Orozco, US Coordinator for the GCCO, will describe GCCO's metacollections, i.e., coordinated, living ex-situ conservation collections that protect the depth and breadth of genetic diversity found in wild populations. 

During the second section of the webinar, Michael Eason, Associate Director of Conservation at San Antonio Botanical Garden, will present their oak collection. He will cover the history of the collection, originally begun in the 1970s (when it was referred to by staff as the "oaketum" [sic!]), describe the challenges that have been faced over the years, share stories of exciting recent discoveries, and end with some highlights of the oaks at the Garden. Following the presentations there will be Q&A.

IOS members can register for the event here. Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email with the Zoom link and an invite you can add to your calendar. 

The event is limited to IOS members only (non-members can easily join the IOS in order to participate).

We look forward to you joining us!